XVI International Botanical Congess

Eruca sativa (rocket salad) is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa. It is popular in salad because of its unique piquancy and pungency. Three distinct morphotypes of the rocket salad collected from Central Sudan differ in features directly related to its use in salad. Each morphotype has its characteristic leaf size and shape, succulence, and blooming time. Also, they vary in seed and corolla sizes and colors. Electrophoresis study would reveal if the morphological differences have genetic background. Genetic differences in Eruca sativa were studied by analyzing allozymes using starch gel electrophoresis. Eight loci coding for eight enzymes were resolved. Two loci were monomeric across all three populations and six showed substantial polymorphism. Banding was observed for other enzymes but was poorly resolved. The wide range of genetic diversity among these types suggests that the quality and resistance to diseases in the rocket salad can be improved through selection and breeding.