Assessing the authenticity of the white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) cv. ‘Varaždinski’ by molecular and phytochemical markers

The authenticity of genotypes of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) cultivar ‘Varaždinski’, which originate from three eco-geographical regions, has been evaluated using molecular (RAPD) and chemometric approach. RAPD analyses confirmed intra-cultivar variability depending on the seed origin. At least three clusters were distinguished and organized in two groups and one subgroup (groups I and HR with subgroup SLO), which are mainly in agreement with eco-geographical location of the seed producers. Phytochemical analysis showed statistically significant variations in pigment and polyphenolic contents as well as in antioxidant capacities of the selected genotypes. The principle component analysis (PCA) visualized relationship among genotypes, phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacity. It revealed that the first two components represented 87% of the total variability in investigated parameters. Accordingly, genotypes were clustered in agreement with eco-geographical regions of seed producers. Analysis of seed storage proteins did not show significant differences among genotypes of interest. The authenticity of selected genotypes of white cabbage cv. ‘Varaždinski’ was discussed based on the molecular and phytochemical diversity.