Genomic Selection in Oilseed Brassica: Potential, Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Recent advances and cost reduction in the next-generation sequencing techniques have immensely contributed not only in developing genome wide high-density markers but also assisted cost-efficient, high-throughput genotyping in most crops. This has been a crucial driving force for implementing Genomic Selection (GS) studies in plants. The efficacy of selection using GS has been demonstrated in several crops, more recently, in oilseed Brassica. GS has been conducted in B. napus for traits including seed quality, yield related traits, plant height and blackleg resistance. High accuracies of prediction were achieved for most traits, especially for those with high heritability. Consistent with previous studies, prediction accuracies of low heritability traits in Brassica crops improved with an increase in the size of the training population, within-sub-population predictions and use of multi-trait GS models. Based on experiences gained from other plant crops, this chapter summarizes the strategies and crucial factors to be considered for achieving high GS based prediction efficacy in Brassica crops. Further, GS studies in Brassica crops have been discussed which are evidence for the immense potential of GS based breeding strategies.