Location: Vegetable Research
Project Number: 6080-21000-019-009-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2016
End Date: Jul 31, 2022
Objective:
1. Make seed of new cultivars commercially available.
2. Sustain improvement of broccoli in the United States.
3. Develop a large grower base.
4. Enhance distribution channels for regional fresh produce.
5. Capitalize on the value of fresh and local broccoli.
Approach:
Inbred broccoli lines adapted to eastern states will be selected, and new hybrid combinations will be made using those lines. Regional trials will be operated along the eastern seaboard for testing new broccoli hybrids. ARS hybrids will be input into these trials along with hybrids from other programs. Extension guidance to new broccoli growers will be provided. Attributes of eastern broccoli will be determined to identify traits that make eastern broccoli the preferred commodity. This effort is a project under the “Specialty Crops Research Initiative”.