Evaluation of esterase polymorphisms in mature seeds of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) accessions of VIR collection

A biochemical evaluation of 25 radish accessions (Raphanus sativus L.) on esterase isozymes of mature seeds has been carried out. The results of the experiments showed a wide range of diversity among the genotypes based on electrophoretic zones of esterase isoenzymes. The revealed isoenzyme complex of esterases was represented by eight isoforms with molecular weights from 37.7 kD to 57.6 kD. All accessions were divided into 13 electrophoretic zymotypes, differing from each other by the presence or absence of definite zones. The most often observed electrophoretic zymo-type is Gr. 1, which includes 24% of the total number of accessions evaluated. There are 8 zymotypes (Gr. 6 - Gr. 13) with a frequency of occurrence 4%. Three groups (Gr. 2 - Gr. 4) had the same frequency of occurrence - 12%. Zimotype of Gr. 5 containes the maximum number of zones - 8. 2 zimotypes - Gr. 3 and Gr. 12 had the smallest number of 4 zones. Two zones of esterases - zones 7 and 8 (Mr 39.7kD and Mr 37.7 kD, respectively) were monomorphic. The remaining six zones were polymorphic, i.e. could be absent in some zimotypes. The frequency of occurrence of each zone in different zymotypes has varied from 6.58% to 17.11%. As results of this research the accessions that were selected can become the most promising parent forms for future genetic and selection studies of this culture.