Distribution of Biodiversity of Wild Beet Species (Genus Beta L.) in Armenia under Ongoing Climate Change Conditions

Abstract

The reported annual temperature increase and significant precipitation drop in Armenia impact the country’s ecosystems and biodiversity. The present study surveyed the geographical distribution of the local wild beet species under the ongoing climate change conditions. We showed that B. lomatogona, B. corolliflora and B. macrorhiza are sensitive to climate change and were affected to various degrees, depending on their location. The most affected species was B. lomatogona, which is at the verge of extinction. Migration for ca. 90 and 200–300 m up the mountain belt was recorded for B. lomatogona and B. macrorhiza, respectively. B. corolliflora was found at 100–150 m lower altitudes than in the 1980s. A general reduction in the beet’s population size in the native habitats was observed, with an increased number of plants within the populations, recorded for B. corolliflora and B. macrorhiza. A new natural hybrid Beta x intermedium Aloyan between B. corolliflora and B. macrorhiza was described and confirmed using chloroplast DNA trnL-trnF intergenic spacer (LF) and partially sequenced alcohol dehydrogenase (adh) of nuclear DNA. An overview of the wild beets reported in Armenia with the taxonomic background, morphological features, and distribution is provided. Conservation measures for preservation of these genetic resources are presented.

Mycorrhizae set the stage for plants to produce a higher production of biomolecules and stress-related metabolites: a sustainable alternative of agrochemicals to enhance the quality and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

“…Considering the yield and quality parameters, it is clearly evident that beetroot produced without agrochemicals is highly desirable for human consumption, which could be achieved using biological organisms, such as mycorrhizae and other soil bacteria, without compromising the yield and quality of the beetroot. Beetroot is a biennial flowering plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and originated in Asia and Europe (Avetisyan et al, 2022 ; Thakur and Singh, 2022 ). Approximately 1,400 species in 105 genera of beetroot have been reported worldwide to date (Lazǎr et al, 2021 ).…”

Genetic Diversity of the Beet Distributed in Armenia Using Protein Markers

“…In order to improve the existing varieties of crops and obtain new, valuable varieties, it is very important to document, preserve and enrich their gene pool, while preserving local varieties and forms of crops, it is possible to carry out breeding works. Wild relatives of plants, which have enormous genetic potential, are also considered valuable genetic resources (Melikyan, 2001;Avetisyan et al, 2022).…”

“…These species include B. macrorhiza Stev., B. lomatogona Fisch C. A. Meyer, and B. corolliflora Zosimovic ex Buttler. They have been found in the floristic regions of Shirak, Aragats, Aparan, Lori, Tavush, Sevan, and Darelegis, with specific distribution areas for each species (Gabrielian and Zohary, 2004;Aleksidze et al, 2006;Melikyan, 2012;Avetisyan et al, 2022). Wild species and forms of beet in selection terms have a number of valuable properties.…”