Abstract
Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris Doell.) is primarily grown for sucrose production. Sugarbeet roots, which are the main part containing sucrose, are often stored in piles at outdoor under cold up to six months after harvesting. A significant sucrose loss during root storage occurs due to root respiration to provide energy for surviving as well as healing wounds from harvesting or making root files. Reducing root respiration rate during storage could help minimize sugar loss. In this study, sugarbeet lines along with some fodder and table beet genotypes were tested for root respiration rates after stored at 4 ˚ C for one to three months, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) will be conducted to identify genomic regions associated with respiration rates in different genotypes and the changes of the respiration rate during cold storage. DNA markers will be developed from the associated genomic regions for utilizing genotypes with lower respiration rates for germplasm enhancement. This study will not only identify genotypes for developing germplasm with lower storage respiration rate, but also the understanding genetic control of respiration rate, which will be critical for efficiently breeding new cultivars with lower respiration rate during cold storage.