Current Status and Breeding Perspectives of Major Vegetable Crops in Thailand

Abstract

The climate of Thailand is appropriate for year-round production of vegetables whose domestic market share has continuously increased and production contributes significantly to the export. However, technology of vegetable breeding and cultivation is still in its early stage of development, compared to developed countries. Information on the major crops and their leading cultivars or varieties is prerequisite for establishing appropriate breeding strategies and developing cultivation technologies for vegetables. This article provides the current state of five major vegetables in Thailand such as chili (Capsicum annuum L. and C. frutescens L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.), yard long bean (Vigna sesquipedalis L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), with their leading cultivars or varieties and traits that consumers in Thailand prefer. Breeding perspectives of these major vegetables in Thailand were also discussed.