Author
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QUIROS, C |
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Farnham, Mark |
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Submitted to: Plant Genetics and Genomics: Crops and Models
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2010 Publication Date: 1/1/2011 Citation: Quiros, C.F., Farnham, M.W. 2011. The Genetics of Brassica oleracea. In: Schmidt, R., Bancroft, I., editors. Genetics and Genomics of the Brassicaceae. New York, NY:Springer. p. 261-290. Interpretive Summary: N/A Technical Abstract: B. oleracea crops encompass a family of vegetables that are among the most important in the world. The most commonly grown vegetables in this family include common cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Cabbage is the most widely produced of the three, cauliflower is less than cabbage, and broccoli is the relative newcomer and emerging vegetable of this group. In this chapter, a variety of topics relevant to the genetics of this crop species are summarized. The origin, distribution and domestication of the different crops are described and the concepts of coenospecies and cytodeme as they relate to the species are discussed. Current knowledge of the genetics and inheritance of the main crop (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, etc.) morphotypes are summarized considering classic as well as contemporary studies. Genetic attributes of secondary plant metabolites like the glucosinolates and carotenoids are considered as increasingly important attributes of this species often cited for contributing to enhanced human health. Genes responsible for host plant resistance to the most destructive diseases, including Fusarium yellows, clubroot, downy mildew, and black rot, of this crop are described. Current status of genomic tools such as DNA based genetic markers and physical gene maps developed in the last couple decades are also discussed and overall outlook for expected progress in the species for coming years is postulated. |
