The relationship between heterosis and genetic distances based on RAPD and AFLP markers in carrot

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation between heterosis in carrot hybrids and the genetic distances of their parents. The experimental material consisted of 15 inbred lines and 34 hybrids. The yield traits (total and marketable yield), as well as quality characters (carotenes, dry matter, total sugar, monosaccharides and nitrates), were evaluated. Heterosis was computed using two measurements of mid- and high-parent heterosis. Genetic distances among lines were calculated using the RAPD and AFLP techniques. Significant heterosis was found for both total and marketable yield. The content of quality compounds for hybrids usually had mid-parent values. Significant correlations were found between molecular distances among lines, measured using RAPD markers, and heterosis of crosses for total yield, and among divergences of parents measured using AFLP markers and heterosis for marketable yield. This appears to contribute towards the carrot hybrid yield prediction by estimation of the genetic distances between parents. This research was undertaken because the possibility of heterosis prediction would allow for the reduction of costs and quicker identification of superior carrot hybrids.