Diversity of Polish Oat Cultivars with a Glance at Breeding History and Perspectives

During 120 years of Polish breeding oats (Avena sativa L.), dozens new varieties have been developed. This study was undertaken to investigate the diversity and population structure 72 oat cultivars released since 1893. The analysis based on pedigree data as well ISSR REMAP marker polymorphisms. ancestry common traced back 124 cultivars, lines, landraces. five most progenitors were ‘Markische Landsorte’, ‘selection from Ligowo oat’, ‘Fransk Svarthavre’, ‘Blanche de Siberie’, Schleswig-Holstein landrace’. We found that at least one them present in 78% analysed objects. studied assigned four groups according period their (before 1945, 1945–1969, 1970–2000, after 2000) six company (Strzelce Plant Breeding Company, DANKO Breeding, Station Rogaczewo, Małopolska Borów, other). A decrease observed heterozygosity within only postwar (1945–1969). As a result breeders’ efforts extensive crosses with foreign materials initiated 1970 1980, alleles provided gene pool. highest number came Strzelce companies. There no significant differences between modern derived different However, very early centres functioning before 1945 had significantly ones. genetic group appeared be quite simple. It shown makeup consisted two or three distinct pools, depending method polymorphism assessment. performed research proved using traditional methods—such selection intraspecific interspecific crosses—although focused improving yield tolerance biotic abiotic stress, did not narrow pool has releasing are competitive European market.