Beta adanensis Aellen (syn. B. vulgaris ssp. adanensis  (Pamukç. ex Aellen) Ford-Lloyd & J.T. Williams) is a primary wild relative of cultivated beets, B. vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris (leaf, garden, fodder and sugar beet groups) (classified in Beta section Beta) (Frese 2004). Although this taxon has been published at species level, a number of genetic diversity studies (Ford-Lloyd and Williams 1975, Letschert 1993, Ford-Lloyd 2005, Villain 2007) have shown B. vulgaris ssp. maritima and B. vulgaris ssp. adanensis to be closely related; therefore, it is generally agreed that this taxon should remain at subspecies level.

European regional assessment: Vulnerable (VU)
EU 27 regional assessment: Vulnerable (VU) C1+2a(i)

Beta adanensis is regionally assessed as Vulnerable because the European population is estimated to comprise less than 10,000 mature individuals with less than 1,000 in each subpopulation, and there has been an estimated continuing decline of at least 10% over the last ten year period. The population is also severely fragmented and there is a continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of habitat, as well as the number of subpopulations and mature individuals. Complementary conservation actions are urgently required for this taxon.

Native to Greece, Syria and Turkey (Euro+Med PlantBase 2006, USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2010). Its presence in Cyprus is uncertain (G. Hatjikiriakou pers. comm. 2010). In Greece, this species occurs in Crete, the Aegean Islands (Sporades, Dodécanèse and Cyclades) and the south coast of Péloponnèse (CWRIS-AEGRO-PLIS 2007–2010).

The European population is estimated to comprise no more than 10,000 individuals with less than 1,000 in each subpopulation. The population is severely fragmented and there is a continuing decline in the number of subpopulations and mature individuals.

It grows in marginal cultivated land close to the sea and may also be found in rocky places near the sea.

Development for tourism is a threat to this species.

A primary wild relative of and potential gene donor to cultivated beets, B. vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (leaf, garden, fodder and sugar beet groups). The species is adapted to high sea salt concentrations (Frese 2004); therefore, it is a potential donor of salt tolerance genes to cultivated beets.

The genus Beta is listed in Annex I of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and B. adanensis is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Bern Convention).

EURISCO reports only two germplasm accessions of B. adanensis stored in the genebank of the Institute of Sugarbeet, Ukraine (EURISCO Catalogue 2010). Germplasm collection and duplicated ex situ storage is an urgent priority for this taxon, as well as research into the most appropriate sites in which to establish genetic reserves.