Brassica Species Research Articles

Impact of biotic stresses on the Brassicaceae family and opportunities for crop improvement by exploiting genotyping traits.

Utilizing RNAi, miRNA, siRNA, lncRNA and exploiting genotyping traits can help safeguard the food supply from illnesses and pest damage to Brassicas, as well as reduce yield losses caused by plant pathogens and insect pests. In the natural environment, plants face significant challenges in the form of biotic stress, due to various living organisms, leading to biological stress and a sharp decline in crop yields. To cope with these effects, plants have evolved specialized mechanisms to mitigate these challenges. Plant stress tolerance and resistance are influenced by genes associated with stress-responsive pathogens that interact with various stress-related signaling pathway components. Plants employ diverse strategies and mechanisms to combat biological stress, involving a complex network of transcription factors that interact with specific cis-elements to regulate gene expression. Understanding both plant developmental and pathogenic disease resistance mechanisms can allow us to develop stress-tolerant and -resistant crops. Brassica genus includes commercially important crops, e.g., broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and rapeseed, cultivated worldwide, with several applications, e.g., oil production, consumption, condiments, fodder, as well as medicinal ones. Indeed, in 2020, global production of vegetable Brassica reached 96.4 million tones, a 10.6% rise from the previous decade. Taking into account their commercial importance, coupled to the impact that pathogens can have in Brassica productivity, yield losses up to 60%, this work complies the major diseases caused due to fungal, bacterial, viral, and insects in Brassica species. The review is structured into three parts. In the first part, an overview is provided of the various pathogens affecting Brassica species, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and insects. The second part delves into the exploration of defense mechanisms that Brassica plants encounter against these pathogens including secondary metabolites, duplicated genes, RNA interference (RNAi), miRNA (micro-RNA), siRNA (small interfering RNA), and lncRNA (long non-coding RNA). The final part comprehensively outlines the current applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology aimed at enhancing crop quality. Taken collectively, this review will contribute to our enhanced understanding of these mechanisms and their role in the development of resistance in Brassica plants, thus supporting strategies to protect this crucial crop.

Studying Salt-Induced Shifts in Gene Expression Patterns of Glucosinolate Transporters and Glucosinolate Accumulation in Two Contrasting Brassica Species.

Brassica crops are well known for the accumulation of glucosinolates-secondary metabolites crucial for plants' adaptation to various stresses. Glucosinolates also functioning as defence compounds pose challenges to food quality due to their goitrogenic properties. Their disruption leaves plants susceptible to insect pests and diseases. Hence, a targeted reduction in seed glucosinolate content is of paramount importance to increase food acceptance. GLUCOSINOLATE TRANSPORTERS (GTRs) present a promising avenue for selectively reducing glucosinolate concentrations in seeds while preserving biosynthesis elsewhere. In this study, 54 putative GTR protein sequences found in Brassica were retrieved, employing Arabidopsis GTR1 and GTR2 templates. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, encompassing gene structure organization, domain analysis, motif assessments, promoter analysis, and cis-regulatory elements, affirmed the existence of transporter domains and stress-related regulatory elements. Phylogenetic analysis revealed patterns of conservation and divergence across species. Glucosinolates have been shown to increase under stress conditions, indicating a potential role in stress response. To elucidate the role of GTRs in glucosinolate transportation under NaCl stress in two distinct Brassica species, B. juncea and B. napus, plants were subjected to 0, 100, or 200 mM NaCl. Based on the literature, key GTR genes were chosen and their expression across various plant parts was assessed. Both species displayed divergent trends in their biochemical profiles as well as glucosinolate contents under elevated salt stress conditions. Statistical modelling identified significant contributors to glucosinolate variations, guiding the development of targeted breeding strategies for low-glucosinolate varieties. Notably, GTR2A2 exhibited pronounced expressions in stems, contributing approximately 52% to glucosinolate content variance, while GTR2B1/C2 displayed significant expression in flowers. Additionally, GTR2A1 and GTR1A2/B1 demonstrated noteworthy expression in roots. This study enhances our understanding of glucosinolate regulation under stress conditions, offering avenues to improve Brassica crop quality and resilience.

Ethno-knowledge of family farmers associated with the control of Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in kale production

The species Brassica oleracea L. covers the varieties of kale, broccoli, and cabbage, being these crops mainly commercially exploited and cultivated by family farming in Brazil. Over the years, farmers adapt and better understand the problems related to pests and their life cycles, they gain knowledge from their daily work, which becomes important in the decision-making process regarding crops. Plutella xylostella L. is the main pest that attacks crucifers; when poorly controlled, it can compromise the entire production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ethno-knowledge associated with the control of P. xylostella among family farmers who grow kale. 42 producers were selected by the snowball sampling technique, in the municipalities of Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso, and Sinop, Brazil, who answered a semi-structured questionnaire about their social profile, production and ethno-knowledge associated with the control of P. xylostella. It was found that there are several difficulties concerning the production of kale and pest recognition, the production techniques used, and access to information; in many of these factors, technical assistance has contributed to minimizing them through the dissemination of modern and effective techniques. Thus, knowing the role of ethno-knowledge of cabbage producers can contribute to the correct identification of damages in the crop and the pests that causes them, and can prevent the improper use of pesticides by farmers, leading to an efficient control. Furthermore, it can contribute to the valorization of dialogue, the exchange of knowledge and the resolution of problems.

Physiological and Molecular Modulations to Drought Stress in the Brassica Species.

Climate change, particularly drought stress, significantly impacts plant growth and development, necessitating the development of resilient crops. This study investigated physiological and molecular modulations to drought stress between diploid parent species and their polyploid progeny in the Brassica species. While no significant phenotypic differences were observed among the six species, drought stress reduced growth parameters by 2.4% and increased oxidative stress markers by 1.4-fold. Drought also triggered the expression of genes related to stress responses and led to the accumulation of specific metabolites. We also conducted the first study of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) levels in leaves as a drought indicator. Lower levels of PFOS accumulation were linked to plants taking in less water under drought conditions. Both diploid and polyploid species responded to drought stress similarly, but there was a wide range of variation in their responses. In particular, responses were less variable in polyploid species than in diploid species. This suggests that their additional genomic components acquired through polyploidy may improve their flexibility to modulate stress responses. Despite the hybrid vigor common in polyploid species, Brassica polyploids demonstrated intermediate responses to drought stress. Overall, this study lays the framework for future omics-level research, including transcriptome and proteomic studies, to deepen our understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms in Brassica species.

A MYB Transcription Factor from Brassica juncea Regulates Purple Leaves in Pak Choi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis)

The purple-leaf phenotype in pak choi is due to the accumulation of anthocyanin. The main regulated genes are unclear. The gene controlling the purple-leaf phenotype was mapped on A03 using BSA-seq, but the candidate interval was not further narrowed with InDel markers. Based on our previous study, we hypothesized that the candidate gene that regulates purple leaves in pak choi may also be the Dark_Pur gene from B. juncea. Using the Dark_Pur-1 marker to identify P1, P2, F1, and F2, it was confirmed that the purple trait in purple-leaf pak choi was controlled by the Dark_Pur gene from B. juncea through distant hybridization. A DNA segment of approximately 514 Kb containing the Dark_Pur gene was reintroduced into pak choi from B. juncea. Meanwhile, a new purple pak choi germplasm line was created with green pak choi × purple B. juncea via distant hybridization, which proved that distant hybridization is an effective method for creating new germplasms. Furthermore, the purple-leaf phenotypes of 20 pak choi varieties were identified, and the purple-leaf traits of all lines were derived from B. juncea via distant hybridization. At present, few studies have focused on the background of the purple trait in pak choi; however, in this study, our results suggest that there is a high probability that the purple trait in pak choi may be completely derived from purple B. juncea via distant hybridization. This study also lays a good foundation for research on the creation of new germplasms through distant hybridization among the Brassica species.

De novo transcriptome assembly and global analysis of differential gene expression of aphid tolerant wild mustard Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern infested by mustard aphid Lipaphis Erysimi (L.) Kaltenbach.

Rapeseed-mustard, the oleiferous Brassica species are important oilseed crops cultivated all over the globe. Mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (L.) Kaltenbach is a major threat to the cultivation of rapeseed-mustard. Wild mustard Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern shows tolerance to mustard aphids as a nonhost and hence is an important source for the bioprospecting of potential resistance genes and defense measures to manage mustard aphids sustainably. We performed mRNA sequencing of the R. indica plant uninfested and infested by the mustard aphids, harvested at 24 hours post-infestation. Following quality control, the high-quality reads were subjected to de novo assembly of the transcriptome. As there is no genomic information available for this potential wild plant, the raw reads will be useful for further bioinformatics analysis and the sequence information of the assembled transcripts will be helpful to design primers for the characterization of specific gene sequences. In this study, we also used the generated resource to comprehensively analyse the global profile of differential gene expression in R. indica in response to infestation by mustard aphids. The functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes reveals a significant immune response and suggests the possibility of chitin-induced defense signaling.

Leaf drought adaptive response in winter oilseed rape is altered at the onset of senescence: a study combining NMR relaxometry, multi-omics and microscopy.

Climate change is bringing more frequent and intense droughts, reducing overall water availability and adversely affecting crops. There is a need to improve our understanding of the tissular and cellular adaptation mechanisms that are critical for plant water conservation strategies. Here, we have used NMR relaxometry in combination with microscopy and multi-omic analysis to study the effects of progressive soil drought on winter oilseed rape (WOSR, Brassica napus L., cv. Aviso) leaves. This study reveals the structural and metabolic adjustments these leaves operate to maintain cell homeostasis. Our results are original in showing that the adaptive responses are altered in leaves at the onset of senescence, associated with changes in metabolic plasticity and mesophyll structures. Thus, long-term responses in young leaves involving osmotic adjustment were combined with the maintenance of tissue hydration and cell growth, contributing to high survival and recovery capacity. For the first time, short-term responses observed in early senescent-old leaves were associated with early drought-induced dehydration of the spongy layer. However, this dehydration was not followed by osmotic adjustment and did not allow maintenance of leaf tissue turgor. These findings open further studies on the genetic variability of drought responses related to identified short- and long-term structural and metabolic plasticity traits in Brassica species.

Phylogenomic curation of Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) in the U's Triangle of Brassica L. indicates stress-induced growth modulation.

The Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) gene family houses a class of proteins that are involved in regulating plant growth and development. To date, there is no report of the simultaneous functional characterization of this gene family in all members of U's Triangle of Brassica. Here, we retrieved a combined total of 256 OFP protein sequences and analyzed their chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved protein motif domains, and the pattern of cis-acting regulatory elements. The abundance of light-responsive elements like G-box, MRE, and GT1 motif suggests that OFPs are sensitive to the stimuli of light. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that OFP05 and its orthologous genes were involved in regulating the process of transcriptional repression through their interaction with homeodomain transcription factors like KNAT and BLH. The presence of domains like DNA binding 2 and its superfamily speculated the involvement of OFPs in regulating gene expression. The biotic and abiotic stress, and the tissue-specific expression analysis of the RNA-seq datasets revealed that some of the genes such as BjuOFP30, and BnaOFP27, BolOFP11, and BolOFP10 were highly upregulated in seed coat at the mature stage and roots under various chemical stress conditions respectively which suggests their crucial role in plant growth and development processes. Experimental validation of prominent BnaOFPs such as BnaOFP27 confirmed their involvement in regulating gene expression under salinity, heavy metal, drought, heat, and cold stress. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis also sheds light on the involvement of OFPs in regulating plant growth and development. These findings have the potential to serve as a forerunner for future studies in terms of functionally diverse analysis of the OFP gene family in Brassica and other plant species.

Genetic manipulation of Indian mustard genotypes with WRR-gene(s) confers resistance against Albugo candida.

Brassica species is the second most important edible oilseed crop in India. Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze, a major oomycete disease of oilseed brassica causing white rust, leads to 60% yield loss globally. The prevalence of A. candida race 2 (Ac2V) that specifically infects B. juncea, coupled with limitations of conventional methods has resulted in a dearth of white rust resistance resources in cultivated varieties. In an effort to develop resistant plants, Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation of three B. juncea genotypes viz., susceptible host var. Varuna, along with its doubled haploid mutant lines C66 and C69 (showing moderate tolerance to field isolates of A. candida) was initiated to transfer resistance genes (WRR8Sf-2 and WRR9Hi-0) identified in Arabidopsis thaliana against race Ac2V, that encode for Toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor-nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat proteins that recognize effectors of the pathogen races. Our results demonstrate that introduction of resistance genes from a tertiary gene pool by genetic transformation enhances disease resistance in B. juncea genotypes to a highly virulent Ac2V isolate.

The functional divergence of homologous GPAT9 genes contributes to the erucic acid content of Brassica napus seeds

BackgroundThe early allopolyploid Brassica napus was a hybrid of two Brassica species, that had undergone a whole genome duplication event followed by genome restructuring, including deletions and small scale duplications. A large number of homologous genes appeared functional divergence during species domestication. Due to the high conservation of de novo glycerolipid biosynthesis, multiple homologues of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) have been found in B. napus. Moreover, the functional variances among these homologous GPAT-encoding genes are unclear.ResultsIn this study, four B. napus homologous genes encoding glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 9 (BnaGPAT9) were characterized. Although a bioinformatics analysis indicated high protein sequence similarity, the homologues demonstrated tissue-specific expression patterns and functional divergence. Yeast genetic complementation assays revealed that BnaGPAT9-A1/C1 homologues but not BnaGPAT9-A10/C9 homologues encoded functional GPAT enzymes. Furthermore, a single nucleotide polymorphism of BnaGPAT9-C1 that occurred during the domestication process was associated with enzyme activity and contributed to the fatty acid composition. The seed-specific expression of BnGPAT9-C11124A increased the erucic acid content in the transformant seeds.ConclusionsThis study revealed that BnaGPAT9 gene homologues evolved into functionally divergent forms with important roles in erucic acid biosynthesis.

Molecular Evaluation of the Effects of FLC Homologs and Coordinating Regulators on the Flowering Responses to Vernalization in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Genotypes.

The flowering loci of cabbage must be understood to boost their productivity. In this study, to clarify the flowering mechanisms of cabbage, we examined the three flowering repressors BoFLC1, 2 and 3, and the flowering regulators BoGI, BoCOOLAIR, and BoVIN3 of early (CAB1), middle (CAB3), and late (CAB5) flowering cabbage genotypes. Analysis of allele-specifically amplified genomic DNA and various sequence alignments demonstrated that maximal insertions and deletions influenced cabbage flowering behavior, notably in CAB3 and CAB5. Phylogenetic studies showed that BoFLC1, 2, and 3 in the CAB1, 3, and 5 genotypes had the highest homologies to other Brassica species, with CAB3 and 5 the most similar. Although CAB3 and CAB5 have comparable genetic patterns, flowering repressors and flowering regulators were investigated individually with and without vernalization to determine their minor flowering differences. The expression investigation revealed that vernalized CAB5 downregulated all BoFLC genes compared to CAB3 and, in contrast, CAB3 exhibited upregulated BoCOOLAIR. We hypothesized that the CAB3 BoFLC locus' additional insertions may have led to BoCOOLAIR overexpression and BoFLC downregulation. This study sheds light on cabbage genotypes-particularly those of CAB1 and CAB5-and suggests that structural variations in BoFLC2 and 3 bind flowering regulators, such as COOLAIR, which may affect cabbage flowering time.

Identification and Characterization of the BnFAR1/FHY3 Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Shading and Low-Temperature Responses in Brassica napus L.

FHY3 and FAR1 serve as positive regulators of the phyA-mediated far-red light signal pathway, influencing plant growth and development by regulating the expression of downstream genes. However, little is known about the FAR1/FHY3 family in Brassica species. A total of 21 members of the BnFAR1/FHY3 gene family were identified in the Brassica napus genome, exhibiting an uneven distribution across ten B. napus chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the BnFAR1/FHY3 family could be divided into four subfamilies. Putative cis-elements in the BnFAR1/FHY3 promoter regions were also identified, which were potentially involved in phytohormone, light and abiotic stress responses (shading, low-temperature, etc.). Additionally, qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression levels of BnFAR1-10, BnFAR1-11, BnFAR1-21 and BnFAR1-4 decreased under shading stress. The expression of BnFAR1-10, BnFAR1-11 and BnFAR1-21 increased under low-temperature stress, whereas the expression of BnFAR1-4 did not change. In addition, the results of the tissue expression analysis showed that most of the genes exhibited the lowest expression in pollen and the highest expression in the 54-day silique. This study screened a batch of BnFHY3/BnFAR1 gene resources, which will contribute to further research on the functional characteristics of BnFHY3/BnFAR1 family members in growth, development and the stress response.

Development and utility of SSR markers based on Brassica sp. whole-genome in triangle of U.

Simple sequence repeats (SSR), also known as microsatellites, are crucial molecular markers in both animals and plants. Despite extensive previous research on SSRs, the development of microsatellite markers in Brassica crops remains limited and inefficient. Krait software was used to identify microsatellites by genome-wide and marker development based on three recently sequenced basic species of Brassica crops in the triangle of U (Brassica rapa, B. nigra and B. oleracea), as well as three allotetraploids (B. juncea, B. napus and B. carinata) using public databases. Subsequently, the primers and the characteristics of microsatellites for most of them were accordingly designed on each chromosome of each of the six Brassica species, and their physical locations were identified,and the cross-transferability of primers have been carried out. In addition, a B-genome specific SSR marker was screened out. A total of 79341, 92089, 125443, 173964, 173604, and 222160 SSR loci have been identified from the whole genome sequences of Brassica crops within the triangle of U crops, B. rapa (AA), B. nigra (BB), B. oleracea (CC), B. napus (AACC), B. juncea (AABB) and B. carinata (BBCC), respectively. Comparing the number distribution of the three allotetraploid SSR loci in the three subgenomes AA, BB and CC, results indicate that the allotetraploid species have significant reduction in the number of SSR loci in the genome compared with their basic diploid counterparts. Moreover, we compared the basic species with their corresponding varieties, and found that the microsatellite characters between the allotetraploids and their corresponding basic species were very similar or almost identical. Subsequently, each of the 40 SSR primers was employed to investigate the polymorphism potential of B. rapa (85.27%), B. nigra (81.33%) and B. oleracea (73.45%), and B. rapa was found to have a higher cross-transfer rate among the basic species in the triangle of U. Meanwhile, a B-genome specific SSR marker, BniSSR23228 possessing the (AAGGA)3 sequence characteristics was obtained, and it located in chromosome B3 with a total length of 97 bp. In this study, results suggest that the pattern of distribution may be highly conserved during the differentiation of basic Brassica species and their allotetraploid counterparts. Our data indicated that the allotetraploidization process resulted in a significant reduction in SSR loci in the three subgenomes AA, BB and CC. The reasons may be partial gene dominated chromosomal homologous recombination and rearrangement during the evolution of basic diploid species into allotetraploids. This study provides a basis for future genomics and genetic research on the relatedness of Brassica species.

Variation in pollen load composition carried by wild bee species in native and nearby agricultural environments in south‐eastern Australia

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms by which wild bees survive in modified landscapes is important for their conservation and management as pollinators. Pollen is a critical resource for the completion of bee life cycles, so we investigated how the pollen loads carried by native bee communities change between natural forests and farms dominated by exotic crops and weeds in an agricultural region of south‐east Australia. We found that individual bees tended to carry higher proportions of exotic pollen on farms compared with forests (after accounting for whether they were captured on exotic or native flowers), and the diversity of pollen carried by bees did not differ significantly between native forest and farm sites or along native forest cover gradients. This suggests that the native bees found on farms, which are predominantly different species compared with those found in native forests, are not disadvantaged by the dominance of exotic plants in these habitats (though impacts on larval nutrition were not investigated). While some native bees carried crop pollen, others almost exclusively carried the pollen of agricultural weeds (e.g., Arctotheca and Brassica species), such that some native bee species may pollinate and benefit from crops, whereas others may only persist on farms if agricultural weeds are tolerated.

Assembly and comparative analysis of the first complete mitochondrial genome of zicaitai (Brassica rapa var. Purpuraria): insights into its genetic architecture and evolutionary relationships.

Zicaitai (Brassica rapa var. purpuraria) is a Brassica variety renowned for its distinctive taste and rich nutritional profile. In recent years, the mitochondrial genomes of several Brassica species have been documented, but the mitogenome of Zicaitai remains unreported. In this study, we characterized the Zicaitai mitogenome achieved through the assembly of sequencing reads derived from both the Oxford Nanopore and Illumina platforms. A detailed comparative analysis was carried out with other Brassica species to draw comparisons and contrasts. In-depth analyses of codon usage patterns, instances of RNA editing, and the prevalence of sequence repeats within the mitogenome were also conducted to gain a more nuanced understanding of its genetic architecture. A phylogenetic analysis was performed, utilizing the coding sequences (CDS) from the mitochondrial genome of Zicaitai and that of 20 closely related species/varieties to trace evolutionary connections. The Zicaitai mitogenome is characterized by a circular structure spanning 219,779 base pairs, and it encompasses a total of 59 genes. This gene set includes 33 protein-coding genes, 23 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes, providing a rich foundation for further genomic study. An analysis of the Ka/Ks ratios for 30 protein-coding genes shared by the mitogenomes of Zicaitai and seven other Brassica species revealed that most of these genes had undergone purifying selection. Additionally, the study explored the migration of genes between the chloroplast and nuclear genomes and the mitogenome, offering insights into the dynamics of genetic exchange within the Brassica genus. The collective results in this study will serve as a foundational resource, aiding future evolutionary studies focused on B. rapa, and contributing to a broader understanding of the complexities of plant evolution.

Genome-Wide Identification of BrassinaZole Resistant (BZR) Gene Family in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis and Its Expression Pattern During Flowering Process

The BrassinaZole Resistant (BZR) gene family mediates the signal transduction of brassinolide, which is vital in regulating vegetative and reproductive growth of plants. In this research, a comprehensive analysis of all candidate BrBZR genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) was conducted using bioinformatics methods, including protein physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationship, gene structure, and conserved domains. Additionally, these candidate genes’ expression patterns during flowering development were analyzed utilizing transcriptome data, and key genes that regulate flowering of Chinese cabbage were screened. In the results, 14 BrBZR genes were identified, with coding sequence (CDS) lengths of 460–1162 bp, and encoding proteins of 152–386 amino acids. The majority of BrBZRs had a highly conserved motif 1 as well as numerous regulatory elements associated with hormone and abiotic stress responses. Transcriptome sequencing showed that 12 BrBZRs were expressed during the flowering development, among which BrBES1.1 and BrBES1.2 were highly expressed, with FPKM ranges of 61.78–99.91 and 43.71–76.69, respectively. Their expression was upregulated during vernalization and flower bud differentiation, suggesting that they may play a key role in regulating the flowering process of Chinese cabbage. Overall, our study provides comprehensive insights into the BrBZR gene family, and has important implications for the further elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate flower development in Chinese cabbage and potentially other related Brassica species.

Analysis of Morpho-physiological and Biochemical Responses in Brassica Varieties under Salt Stress

Abiotic stresses like salinity, water stress, high light intensity, heavy metals, etc. have a significant influence on the morphology, biochemical characteristics, and crop productivity, of Brassica species. Among these numerous abiotic stresses, stress from salinity is a significant issue, that demands immediate attention and resolution. Therefore, in this study, the tolerance of Brassica carinata and five different varieties of Brassica campestris including Agrani, Shafal, BINA Sharisha-6, BARI Sharisha-15 and Tori-7 were examined at varying concentrations of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM). Different morpho-physiological and biochemical properties including seed germination parameters, root/shoot ratio, proline content, H2O2 and MDA level, photosynthetic pigments, and Na+/K+ ion accumulation were measured and showed varying responses to the inhibitory impacts of NaCl. B. carinata, BINA Sharisha-6, Tori-7 and Shafal, with increasing NaCl concentrations resulted in the loss of germination percentages, root/shoot ratio, levels of photosynthetic pigments, proline, levels of H2O2 and MDA and the Na+/K+ ion accumulation in comparison to the other Brassica varieties. Among these varieties, Shafal, showed the lowest values of the salt tolerant indicators. In contrast, variety Agrani and BARI Sharisha-15 exhibited high proline content, a good level of H2O2 and MDA and photosynthetic pigments, in response to salt stress, which enhanced their hydration status, enzyme activities and cellular functions. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 33(2): 167-180, 2023 (December)

Exploring Genetic Variation in Brassica rapa for Improved Yield and Fatty Acid Profiles

Brassica rapa is one of the most widely cultivated oilseed crops and is known for a variety of benefits across the globe. Brassica rapa is one of the key Brassica species. Together with significant oil concentrations, it is distinguished by a high concentration of macro and micronutrients. Oilseed rape cultivars have high amounts of erucic acid and glucosinolate which may increase health risks. The current study was carried out in 2021 in the research area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The goal of the experiment was to find Brassica rapa accessions with improved yield and fatty acid-related characteristics from the germplasm by screening and choosing them. One hundred accessions of B. rapa were screened for better yield and fatty acid-related traits in a randomized complete block design. Data were obtained for many morphological and fatty acid-related characteristics. Analysis of variance, mean comparison, correlation, and principal component analysis were performed on the recorded data. Three testers; 26240, 26283, and 26215 and ten lines; 28244, 40961, 40970, 40975, 40977, 40978, 40979, 40980, 40981 and 40982 were selected on a mean performance basis. The highest mean value was shown by 40975, and 40977 lines for most of the traits. The findings demonstrated that there was significant genetic variation in the oil content and mix of fatty acids across the species under study. This suggests that the oil extracted from the seeds of these lines may be appropriate for both industrial and human use. The selected accessions should be further assessed for various yield and fatty acid-related traits to modify their value for edible purposes. They may also be utilized as a favourable germplasm in the breeding program.

A new species of Brassica (Brassicaceae) from Bolkar Mountains (Türkiye) with morphological and molecular evidence

Brassica huseyin-duralii from Niğde province in the Central Anatolian region of Türkiye is described and illustrated here as a new species of the tribe Brassiceae. It resembles B. repanda but differs from that species by its combination of woody caudex, leaf structure, and rosette and stem leaf shapes. It is also similar to B. elongata, from which it differs by its stem length, basal and stem leaf shapes and hair types, number of flowers, siliqua position and its width. This classification is also supported by phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal ITS data with B. huseyin-duralii and B. elongata constituting a monophyletic clade. The diagnosis, description, distribution and habitat of a new species, its distribution map and diagnostic key to Turkish Brassica species, are given; a Turkish name and IUCN Red List category are suggested.

Present status, production constraints and future research strategies in oilseed brassica

The oleiferous Brassica species, commonly known as rapeseed-mustard, are one of the economically important agricultural commodities. Rapeseed-mustard comprising eight different species viz., Indian mustard, toria, yellow sarson, brown sarson, gobhi sarson, karan rai, black mustard and taramira, are being cultivated in 53 countries spreading all over the globe. The oil and protein content varies from 37 to 49% and 22-28%, respectively. The seed and oil are used as condiment in the preparation of pickles and for flavouring curries and vegetables. The oil is utilized for human consumption throughout the northern India in cooking and frying purposes. It is also used in the preparation of hair oils and medicines. It is used in soap making, in mixtures with mineral oils for lubrication. Rapeseed oil is used in the manufacture of grease. The oil cake is used as feed and manure. Green stem and leaves var. toria), brown sarson (Brassica campestris L. var. brown sarson), yellow sarson (Brassica campestris L.var. yellow sarson), Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss], black mustard (Brassica nigra) and taramira (Eruca sativa /vesicaria Mill.), which have been grown since about 3,500 BC along with nontraditional species like gobhi sarson (Brassica napusL.)and Ethiopian mustard or karanrai (Brassica carinata A. Braun).