Genetic variability among broccoli genotypes based on biochemical and molecular traits

ABSTRACT Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the most important vegetables in the world and also shows important functional properties. The present study aimed to characterize 19 broccoli genotypes using biochemical traits (content of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular markers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a complete randomized block design with three replicates. The phenotypic data were subjected to analysis of variance (p≤0.05), Scott-Knott average clustering method (p≤0.05) and principal component analysis (PCA). Using molecular data, Ward’s hierarchical clustering, Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were performed. Molecular data showed genetic diversity among the genotypes (three groups), also a wide variability in the total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity using FRAP method. HT3010, Hanabi and Bonanza genotypes showed desirable biochemical traits for the demanding functional food consumers, in addition to being promising genotypes to be exploited in plant breeding programs.