Genetics, Genomics and Breeding of Oilseed Brassicas PDF

Preface to the Volume

Brassica species have been grown as a source of food and fuel for thousands of years due to their wide variety of morphological and biochemical phenotypes. Oilseed Brassicas are a major source of vegetable oil for human consumption as well as being a valuable biofuel. Although ancient, this crop has undergone intensive breeding over the last few decades to produce oil with improved nutritional and agronomic qualities. The wide diversity of Brassica species provides a resource for the further improvement of this crop, which, when combined with modern breeding technologies, promises to continue to provide a healthy source of human nutrition as well as oils for fuel and industrial use.

The chapters in this volume have been written by a range of experts with experience in Brassica genetics, genomics and applied crop improvement. The initial chapters describe the history of Brassica oilseed crops, introduce the Brassica genome, its evolution, diversity, classical genetic studies and breeding. Subsequent chapters delve into molecular genetic linkage and physical maps, progress with genome sequencing initiatives, mutagenesis approaches for trait improvement, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics. The fi nal chapters detail methods for whole genome marker assisted breeding, the genetics and genomics of important traits including disease resistance, herbivory, insect and abiotic stress resistance before concluding with a chapter on the future prospects for Brassica improvement through genomics.

With the continued adoption of genomic technologies for crop improvement, we expect to see continued and accelerated improvement of the important Brassica species, building on the unparalleled progress of the previous few decades. This volume provides a state of the moment view of current Brassica genetics, genomics and breeding research which is the foundation for the continued understanding of oilseed Brassica species, their genomes, evolution and further potential as important food and biofuel crops.