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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #133341
Title: CONSERVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF VEGETABLE BRASSICA GERMPLASM BY THE USDA-ARS

Author
item ROBERTSON, LARRY - USDA-ARS, GENEVA, NY
item Farnham, Mark

Submitted to: Crucifer Genetics Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2002
Publication Date: 3/25/2002
Citation: Robertson, L.D., Farnham, M.W. 2002. Conservation and characterization of vegetable brassica germplasm by the USDA-ARS. Proceedings of 13th Crucifer Genetics Workshop. March 23-26, 2002. Davis, CA. pg 67.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS vegetable germplasm collection with 2262 accessions is maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) at Geneva, NY. The Geneva collection contains mostly Brassica oleracea and B. rapa varietal groups. Additionally, there is a smaller collection of related Brassicaceae taxa maintained at Geneva. The major components of the collection are cabbage (898 accessions), cauliflower (268 accessions), broccoli (89 accessions), Brussels sprouts (76 accessions), Chinese cabbage (218 accessions), and Bok Choy (64 accessions). The largest demand for germplasm is for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Chinese cabbage. Representation of related Brassicaceae is extremely small and there is an urgent need to increase representation of these taxa. Characterization of any germplasm collection is important to increase its usefulness and provide efficiency in meeting requests of users. The cabbage germplasm collection is the best characterized of the vegetable Brassicas. The Crucifer Germplasm Committee has approved a minimal descriptor list for cabbage to provide a minimum of information for its utilization. Approximately half the cabbage germplasm collection has been characterized for this minimal descriptor list in 2000. Additionally, digital images of the accessions are available on the GRIN website. There has also been some characterization of accessions in the broccoli and cauliflower collections. Data for disease and insect resistance is presently missing and there is an urgent need to collect and to promote further evaluation for disease and insect resistance for these brassicas and summarize currently available information.