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Glucosinolates are plant-specialized metabolites that can be hydrolyzed by glycosyl hydrolases, called myrosinases, creating a variety of hydrolysis products that benefit human health. While cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of glucosinolates, they are often cooked before consumption, limiting the conversion of glucosinolates to hydrolysis products due to the denaturation of myrosinases. Here we screen a panel of glycosyl hydrolases for high thermostability and engineer the Brassica crop, broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.), for the improved conversion of glucosinolates to chemopreventive hydrolysis products. Our transgenic broccoli lines enabled glucosinolate hydrolysis to occur at higher cooking temperatures, 20 °C higher than in wild-type broccoli. The process of cooking fundamentally transforms the bioavailability of many health-relevant bioactive compounds in our diet. Our findings demonstrate the promise of leveraging genetic engineering to tailor crops with novel traits that cannot be achieved through conventional breeding and improve the nutritional properties of the plants we consume.

Black, brown, and white mustards are important spice and oil crops cultivated worldwide. In this study, the effect of mustard lines in terms of growth and yield under spring sown conditions during 2 years (2020 and 2021) was investigated under semi-arid climatic conditions in Ankara, Turkey. Fifteen lines and one standard were used in this study. The experiment was carried out according to the randomized block trial design with four replications. The results demonstrated statistically significant lines × years interaction for plant height, number of branches, number of capsules, number of seeds, thousand-seed weight, seed yield and crude oil yield of black, brown, and white mustard lines. The days to emergence, 4–6 leaves rosette stages, 50% flowering, 50% encapsulation, and harvest varied according to species and years. The better production year was 2021, when the highest seed yield (3080 kg ha−1) and oil yield (612 kg ha−1) were determined from the Brassica juncea-Bj3 line, while the lower production year was 2020, when the lowest seed yield (572 kg ha−1) and oil yield (133 kg ha−1) were detected for the B. nigra-Bn5 line. The B. juncea-Bj3 line for crude oil yield (612 kg ha−1) and the Sinapis alba-Sa5 line for seed yield (2282 kg ha−1) appeared to be superior in performance compared to the other lines and standards. The lines can be further exploited for breeding programs through selection and hybridization. Considering the yield data of the lines, it was detected that the lines of Brassica juncea, Sinapis alba and Brassica nigra have an important potential as a raw material resource for different industries. HIGHLIGHTS: The experimental results showed the agronomic potential of growing Brassica species under spring conditions. The yield characteristics of 15 Brassica lines were significantly affected by the environmental situation. The Brassica juncea-Bj3 and Sinapis alba-Sa2 lines were the superior lines and had a high potential for breeding new Brassica cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focuses on understanding the effects of stage-sensitive variable rates of nitrogen management in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) within a temperate ecological context. The study aimed to investigate how manipulating the timing and amount of nitrogen application during different growth stages of rapeseed plants affects their overall performance like yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The treatments comprised three levels of nitrogen factorially combined with five nitrogen splitting schedules. Split application did not produce a significant impact on seed yield at higher rates (100 kg N ha1). At lower rates 60 kg ha1 (N60) and 80 kg ha1 (N80), the application of nitrogen in four splits produced a significantly higher yield. The present findings suggest that the effectiveness of nitrogen splitting for seeking higher yield and the nitrogen use efficiency is dose dependent in Brassica rapa. Moreover, withholding nitrogen at the time of sowing (basal application) and the flowering stage led to a maximum decline in the yield of winter-sown rape. The agronomic efficiency of nitrogen (AEN) of 10.96 kg/kg N was registered with N80. Yield responses (YR) were 11.5%, 9.8%, and 5.8% for N100, N80, and N60, respectively. The yield increased by 14.03%, 18.32%, 3.7%, and 15.6% under the four splits S1, S3, S4, and S5, respectively. S2 produced significantly higher AEN (11.96 kg kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter annual crops are sown in late summer or autumn and require chilling to promote flowering the following spring. Floral initiation begins in autumn and winter, and in winter oilseed rape (OSR), continued chilling during flower development is necessary for high yield potential. This can be a problem in areas where chilling is not guaranteed, or as a result of changing climates. Here, we used chilling disruption and low chilling to identify loci with the potential to increase chilling efficiency in winter OSR. We report that time to flowering and yield potential under low chill conditions are affected by variation at the PLANT HOMOLOGOUS TO PARAFIBROMIN gene, a component of the plant PAF1c complex. We show that increases in winter chilling given to developing flowers can improve seed yields and that loss of function of BnaPHP.A05 leads to early flowering in B. rapa and B. napus and an increase in seed set where chilling is limited. Because PHP is known to specifically target the FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) gene in Arabidopsis, we propose that variation at PHP is useful for breeding modifications to chilling responses in polyploid crops with multiple copies of the FLC gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic stresses throughout their life cycle, among which aphids pose a significant challenge as herbivorous insect pests. Aphids cause both direct damage through feeding and indirect damage by transmitting viruses. Given the growing concerns about insecticide resistance and the non‐target effects of synthetic insecticides, there is an urgent need to develop novel pest control strategies that are dependent on plant defence strategies. In this study, we assessed the effects of exogenous prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a derivative of jasmonic acid, at 24 h (PDJ24) and 48 h (PDJ48) post‐treatment on the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on Brassica juncea L. (Brassicaceae). The impact of PDJ treatments was assessed by conducting performance bioassays (survival and fecundity) and behavioural bioassays (settlement and attraction to volatiles in an olfactometer). Our findings reveal that the exogenous application of PDJ did not significantly affect on the performance and behaviour of B. brassicae at 24‐h post‐treatment. However, PDJ treatment significantly reduced the performance of B. brassicae at 48‐h post‐treatment, and affected the behaviour in terms of reduced settlement on and attraction to volatiles of PDJ‐treated plants. These results suggest that PDJ has the potential to effectively induce defences in Brassica against sucking pests. This study provides valuable insights into possibility of employing PDJ as an alternative approach for sustainable pest management in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Discussion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenology of temperate perennials, including the timing of vegetative growth and flowering, is well known to be controlled by seasonal dormancy cycles. Dormant structures are known as buds and have specialized covering structures, symplastic isolation from the plant, and often autonomous stores of carbon and nitrogen reserves. In contrast, in annual plants, our current understanding of the control of the timing of flowering focuses on the mechanisms affecting floral initiation, the transition from a vegetative apical meristem to a inflorescence meristem producing flower primordia in place of leaves. Recently we revealed that annual crops in Brassicaceae exhibit chilling-responsive growth control in a manner closely resembling bud dormancy breakage in perennial species. Here I discuss evidence that vernalization in autumn is widespread and further discuss its role in inducing flower bud set prior to winter. I also review evidence that flower bud dormancy has a more widespread role in annual plant flowering time control than previously appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low rumen pH is proposed to be a major mechanism for low methane (CH4) emissions from sheep fed forage rape. However, it is difficult to separate this from other in vivo factors, such as rumen passage rate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pH alone on CH4 production in vitro using different pH buffers. Ryegrass, white clover and forage rape were incubated in vitro using three different incubation buffers with starting pH values of 5.5, 6.2 and 6.8. RESULTS: Decreasing pH reduced overall in vitro CH4 emission relative to fermented hexoses (CH4/FHex) by up to 54% and overall fermentation by 40%. pH also changed fermentation profiles where the acetate + butyrate to propionate + valerate ratio decreased when pH decreased. Within the three forages, forage rape led to the lowest CH4/FHex, but only in pH 5.5 and 6.2 buffer, and this was enhanced when the pH fell below 6. CONCLUSION: Reducing pH in vitro decreased CH4 production and overall fermentation across all forages. The lower pH reached by forage rape compared to ryegrass and white clover appears to drive the lower CH4 production relative to the extent of fermentation from forage rape compared to the other forages. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica vegetables are characterized by high amounts of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and glucosinolates, therefore showing health-promoting properties. Due to the fact that these vegetables undergo thermal treatment before consumption, the knowledge of the effect of processing is of high importance. Among various methods used, sous-vide (i.a. hydrothermal treatment of vacuum-packed products in strictly controlled temperature-time conditions) is becoming more popular. Thus, the aim of this review was to compare the results of research papers from the last two decades, concerning the effect of sous-vide and other processing methods on the microbiological safety as well as nutritional value of Brassica vegetables. 3 scientific databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed) were searched, using the keywords "sous-vide"; "sous-vide" and "vegetables"; "sous-vide" and "Brassica". It was shown that sous-vide treatment was more beneficial than other methods, taking into account nutritional value. When choosing the appropriate method of processing, it must be taken into consideration that the modern consumer is aware of the nutritional value of foods and often chooses the more valuable product. The awareness of the consumer chossing nutritious and valourable foods and at the same time, the high quality of the raw material as well as microbiological safety of the final product should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow sarson (Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) is an essential oilseed crop where the multilocular ovary trait enhances yield potential. Elucidating the inheritance pattern of multilocularity will empower breeding efforts. This study aimed to dissect the genetics governing ovary locule number in yellow sarson using crosses between multilocular (Pant Pili Sarson 1, NDYS) and bilocular (Pant Girija, B9) lines. F1, F2 and backcross generations were developed and analyzed for segregation of locule number. Results revealed monogenic dominant inheritance of the multilocular trait. All F1 progeny exhibited multilocularity, indicating dominance. The F2 population displayed Mendelian 3:1 segregation of multilocular to bilocular phenotypes, confirming control by a single dominant locus. Backcrosses to multilocular parents produced all multilocular offspring, while crosses to bilocular parents exhibited 1:1 segregation, validating the model. These findings contrast with previous reports of recessive inheritance in Brassicaceae, likely reflecting differing genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the single dominant gene uncovered simplifies breeding efforts to enhance this beneficial high-yielding trait. By elucidating the genetics underlying multilocularity in yellow sarson, this work empowers breeding programs seeking to improve yield through enhancement of the multilocular ovary trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environmentally sensitive transcription factor (TF) historically associated with carcinogenesis initiation via the activation of numerous carcinogens. Nowadays, the AhR has been attributed to multiple endogenous functions to maintain cellular homeostasis. Moreover, crosstalk, often reciprocal, has been found between the AhR and several other TFs, particularly estrogen receptors (ERs) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Adequate modulation of these signaling pathways seems to be an attractive strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Several naturally occurring and synthetically modified AhR or ER ligands and Nrf2 modulators have been described. Sulfur-containing derivatives of glucosinolates, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and stilbene derivatives are particularly interesting in this context. I3C and its condensation product, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), are classic examples of blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity through activation of the AhR. Still, they also affect multiple essential signaling pathways in preventing hormone-dependent cancer. Resveratrol is a competitive antagonist of several classic AhR ligands. Its analogs, with ortho-methoxy substituents, exert stronger antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity. In addition, they modulate AhR activity and estrogen metabolism. Their activity seems related to a number of methoxy groups introduced into the stilbene structure. This review summarizes the data on the chemopreventive potential of these classes of phytochemicals, in the context of AhR and its crosstalk modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa) has a good chilling and freezing tolerance. inducer of CBF expression 1 (ICE1) plays a crucial role in cold signaling in plants; however, its role in Brassica rapa remains unclear. In this study, we identified 41 ICE1 homologous genes from six widely cultivated Brassica species. These genes exhibited high conservation, with evolutionary complexity between diploid and allotetraploid species. Cold stress induced ICE1 homolog expression, with differences between strongly and weakly cold-tolerant varieties. Two novel ICE1 paralogs, BrICE1 and BrICE2, were cloned from Brassica rapa Longyou 6. Subcellular localization assays showed that they localized to the nucleus, and low temperature did not affect their nuclear localization. The overexpression of BrICE1 and BrICE2 increased cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and enhanced reactive oxygen species' (ROS) scavenging ability. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that overexpression of BrICE1 and BrICE2 inhibited root growth in Arabidopsis, and low temperatures could induce the degradation of BrICE1 and BrICE2 via the 26S-proteasome pathway. In summary, ICE1 homologous genes exhibit complex evolutionary relationships in Brassica species and are involved in the C-repeat/DREB binding factor (CBF) pathway and ROS scavenging mechanism in response to cold stress; these regulating mechanisms might also be responsible for balancing the development and cold defense of Brassica rapa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verticillium stripe, caused by Verticillium longisporum, presents an emerging threat to Canadian canola (Brassica napus). Initially detected in Manitoba in 2014, the presence of this pathogen has since been confirmed across western Canada. Infections by V. longisporum can result in yield losses of up to 50%, which is a cause for concern given the susceptibility of most commercial Canadian canola cultivars. The objective of this study was to screen a collection of 211 Brassica genotypes for their reactions to V. longisporum, and to use genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for resistance. The plant material consisted of 110 rutabaga (B. napus ssp. napobrassica), 35 canola, 40 Brassica rapa, and 15 Brassica oleracea accessions or cultivars, alongside 11 hosts of the European Clubroot Differential (ECD) set. These materials were screened for resistance under greenhouse conditions and were genotyped using a 19K Brassica SNP array. Three general linear models (GLM), four mixed linear models (MLM), and three GWAS methods were employed to evaluate the markers. Eleven noncommercial Brassica accessions and 9 out of 35 commercial canola cultivars displayed a low normalized area under the disease progress curve (AUDPCnorm.). The non-commercial accessions could prove valuable as potential sources of resistance against V. longisporum. Forty-five SNP markers were identified to be significantly associated with V. longisporum resistance using single-SNP based GWAS analysis. In comparison, haplotype-based GWAS analyses identified 10 to 25 haplotype blocks to be significantly associated with V. longisporum resistance. Between 20% and 56% of QTLs identified by the more conventional single-SNP based GWAS analysis were also detected by the haplotype-based GWAS analysis. The overlapping genomic regions identified by the two GWAS methods present promising hotspots for marker-assisted selection in the future development of Verticillium stripe-resistant canola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies. The pathways involved remain uncertain. We aimed to determine whether cruciferous vegetable intake (active) lowers 24-h brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP; primary outcome) compared to root and squash vegetables (control) in Australian adults with mildly elevated BP (SBP 120–160 mmHg inclusive). Methods: In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, participants completed two 2-week dietary interventions separated by a 2-week washout. Cruciferous vegetables were compared to root and squash vegetables (~ 300 g/day) consumed with lunch and dinner meals. Participants were blinded to which interventions were the active and control. Adherence was assessed using food diaries and biomarkers (S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO, active) and carotenoids (control)). Twenty-four-hour brachial ambulatory SBP and secondary outcomes were assessed pre- and post each intervention. Differences were tested using linear mixed effects regression. Results: Eighteen participants were recruited (median (IQR) age: 68 (66–70); female: n = 16/18; mean ± SD clinic SBP: 135.9 ± 10.0 mmHg). For both interventions, 72% participants had 100% adherence (IQR: 96.4–100%). SMCSO and carotenoids were significantly different between interventions (mean difference active vs. control SMCSO: 22.93 mg/mL, 95%CI 15.62, 30.23, P < 0.0001; carotenoids: − 0.974 mg/mL, 95%CI − 1.525, − 0.423, P = 0.001). Twenty-four-hour brachial SBP was significantly reduced following the active vs. control (mean difference − 2.5 mmHg, 95%CI − 4.2, − 0.9, P = 0.002; active pre: 126.8 ± 12.6 mmHg, post: 124.4 ± 11.8 mmHg; control pre: 125.5 ± 12.1 mmHg, post: 124.8 ± 13.1 mmHg, n = 17), driven by daytime SBP (mean difference − 3.6 mmHg, 95%CI − 5.4, − 1.7, P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides were significantly lower following the active vs. control (mean difference − 0.2 mmol/L, 95%CI − 0.4, − 0.0, P = 0.047). Conclusions: Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables resulted in reduced SBP compared to root and squash vegetables. Future research is needed to determine whether targeted recommendations for increasing cruciferous vegetable intake benefits population health. Trial registration: Clinical trial registry ACTRN12619001294145. https://www.anzctr.org.au [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented foods made through microbial growth and enzymatic conversions have been integral to human diets for at least 10,000 years. Recent interest in fermented foods has surged due to their functional properties and health benefits. Cruciferous vegetables of the genus Brassica, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are commonly used to produce fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pao cai, fermented turnips, and others. These foods are rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bioactive compounds, which contribute to their potential health-promoting properties. We examined 12 clinical trials investigating fermented foods of the genus Brassica. These studies, which mainly assessed the health benefits of kimchi or sauerkraut consumption, found that regular intake can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), aid weight loss, and enhance metabolic health. Seven observational studies also observed health benefits when consuming fermented foods of the genus Brassica. Six of the seven observational studies on kimchi intake linked kimchi intake to reduced obesity risk and other health benefits. An observational study linked sauerkraut and cabbage consumption to reduced breast cancer risk. Despite these findings, the exact roles of various microorganisms and bioactive compounds within these health effects require further investigation. This review underscores the potential of fermented cruciferous vegetables as functional foods, and advocates for more clinical trials and mechanistic studies to understand and optimize their health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis sequences (GASAs) are a subset of the gibberellin (GA)-regulated gene family and play crucial roles in various physiological processes. However, the GASA genes in Brassica rapa have not yet been documented. In this study, we identified and characterized 16 GASA genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Analysis of the conserved motifs revealed significant conservation within the activation segment of BraGASA genes. This gene family contains numerous promoter elements associated with abiotic stress tolerance, including those for abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Expression profiling revealed the presence of these genes in various tissues, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, siliques, and callus tissues. When plants were exposed to drought stress, the expression of BraGASA3 decreased notably in drought-sensitive genotypes compared to their wild-type counterparts, highlighting the potentially crucial role of BraGASA3 in drought stress. Additionally, BraGASAs exhibited various functions in sexual reproduction dynamics. The findings contribute to the understanding of the function of BraGASAs and provide valuable insights for further exploration of the GASA gene function of the BraGASA gene in Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L. [Brassicales: Brassicaceae]) is a major oilseed crop grown globally as a source of vegetable oil, animal feed and biofuel feedstock. The global demand for canola oil as a biofuel feedstock has increased due to recent regulations in the European Union, United States, and Canada. In North America, canola production is centered on the northern Great Plains where it is challenged by two highly destructive flea beetle species, the crucifer (Phyllotreta cruciferae Goeze, 1777) and the striped (Phyllotreta striolata Fabricius, 1803) flea beetles. In the spring, adult P. cruciferae and P. striolata begin feeding on canola seedlings, creating a 'shot hole' appearance, which can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity leading to uneven plant emergence and growth, reduced plant stand density, and reduced seed yield. Losses resulting from flea beetles are estimated in the tens of millions of dollars annually. At present, the principle means for flea beetle control are insecticides applied as systemic seed treatments and/or subsequent foliar sprays. The continued use of these products is being questioned due to environmental concerns and acquisition of resistance. As such, significant research effort is being directed toward the development of an integrated pest management system for these abundant and hard to manage pests of canola. Here, we review the ecology, pest status, and management of flea beetles in North America and discuss future research needed to promote flea beetle management and sustainable canola production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol abuse is dangerous to one's health and contributes to disorders such as neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity worldwide. Twenty-five male albino rats, each weighing 200 ± 10 g, were divided into five groups. For 4 weeks, rats in the control group were given only a regular chow diet and ad libitum. Rats in the alcohol group received an oral gavage of alcohol at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight each day. Rats in the alcohol and avocado extract group received oral gavage doses of 250 mg/kg b. wt./day of avocado extract and 40 mg/kg b. wt. of alcohol. Rats in the alcohol and mustard seed extract group received oral gavage doses of 250 mg/kg/day of mustard seed extract and 40 mg/kg/day of alcohol, respectively. Rats were given alcohol and a mixture of avocado and mustard seed extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight each day by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Our results showed increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation in the liver and brain tissues, decreased glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. In rats consumed excessive alcohol, there was an increase in the activity of the tumor marker α-l-fucosidase in sera. Additionally, the liver and brain tissues of the alcoholic group showed decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity. Furthermore, changes in the expression levels of the genes for brain α-secretase and liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were observed. The administration of extracts from avocado and mustard seeds improved the state of oxidative stress and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. The expression levels of brain α-secretase and liver ADH genes were almost fully recovered at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oilseed radish (OR; Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus) is grown as a cover crop and develops a unique taproot, absorbing nitrogen left by the previous crop. The aim of this project was to investigate the resistance of OR cultivars (cvs.) to Plasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot disease. Twelve market cvs. were compared with cvs. of clubroot-resistant (CR) winter oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) and other selected species of the Brassicaceae family. The study was performed as a replicated bioassay in a growth chamber using a specially composed mixture of field soils holding the natural inoculum of P. brassicae. The results show that the OR cultivars were infected, which implies that OR multiplies the pathogen. The susceptibility of the OR cultivars was not significantly different from that of the CR OSR cultivars Alister and Archimedes, but it was significantly different from that of the OSR cv. Mendel. The disease severity index (DSI) for OR cultivars ranged from 2.3 to 9.3, and disease incidence was 3–17%. The best performance was shown by black radish (Raphanus sativus var. niger) with a DSI of 0.3. For sustainable brassica crop production, we suggest avoiding OR as a cover crop in crop rotations, including OSR or other brassica crops, since there is a risk of increasing inoculum in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is an important disease of crucifer crops worldwide. This study aimed to establish an efficient screening method to determine resistant cultivars of Chinese cabbage against P. brassicae. To do this, we investigated the virulence of seven P. brassicae isolates using seedlings of susceptible Chinese cabbage cultivar. The isolates exhibited different virulence in the plants and were divided into three groups based on their virulence. When we explored the disease occurrence in Chinese cabbage seedlings according to photoperiod after inoculation of P. brassicae and incubation temperature, the plants with all-day light showed higher disease severity than seedlings cultivated under 14 hr of light a day. The occurrence of clubroot disease was most severe at 25°C, followed by 20°C and 18°C, but the fresh weight of clubroot of the seedlings cultivated at 20°C was the highest, followed by plants grown at 25°C and 18°C. When the seedlings of two commercial resistant cultivars were inoculated with the mixed spore suspensions of two different pathotype isolates of P. brassicae, disease severity increased as the spore concentration of the susceptible P. brassicae isolate among the two strains increased, suggesting that the clubroot development by different pathotype isolates was independent and not influenced by each other. Taken together, our results provide a faster and more accurate screening methods to determine the resistance of Chinese cabbage against P. brassicae.

Abstract Background Higher cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies. The pathways involved remain uncertain. We aimed to determine whether cruciferous vegetable intake (active) lowers 24-h brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP; primary outcome) compared to root and squash vegetables (control) in Australian adults with mildly elevated BP (SBP 120–160 mmHg inclusive). Methods In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, participants completed two 2-week dietary interventions separated by a 2-week washout. Cruciferous vegetables were compared to root and squash vegetables (~ 300 g/day) consumed with lunch and dinner meals. Participants were blinded to which interventions were the active and control. Adherence was assessed using food diaries and biomarkers (S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO, active) and carotenoids (control)). Twenty-four-hour brachial ambulatory SBP and secondary outcomes were assessed pre- and post each intervention. Differences were tested using linear mixed effects regression. Results Eighteen participants were recruited (median (IQR) age: 68 (66–70); female: n = 16/18; mean ± SD clinic SBP: 135.9 ± 10.0 mmHg). For both interventions, 72% participants had 100% adherence (IQR: 96.4–100%). SMCSO and carotenoids were significantly different between interventions (mean difference active vs. control SMCSO: 22.93 mg/mL, 95%CI 15.62, 30.23, P

Abstract The purple leaves of Brassica napus are abundant in anthocyanins, which are renowned for their role in conferring distinct colors, stress tolerance, and health benefits, however the genetic basis of this trait in B. napus remains largely unelucidated. Herein, the purple leaf B. napus (PL) exhibited purple pigments in the upper epidermis and a substantial increase in anthocyanin accumulation, particularly of cyanidin, compared to green leaf B. napus (GL). The genetic control of the purple leaf trait was attributed to a semi-dominant gene, pl, which was mapped to the end of chromosome A03. However, sequencing of the fragments amplified by the markers linked to pl indicated that they were all mapped to chromosome B05 from B. juncea. Within this B05 chromosomal segment, the BjMYB113 gene-specific marker showed perfect co-segregation with the purple leaf trait in the F2 population, suggesting that the BjMYB113 introgression from B. juncea was the candidate gene for the purple leaf trait in B. napus. To further verify the function of candidate gene, CRISPR/Cas9 was performed to knock out the BjMYB113 gene in PL. The three myb113 mutants exhibited evident green leaf phenotype, absence of purple pigments in the adaxial epidermis, and a significantly reduced accumulation of anthocyanin compared to PL. Additionally, the genes involved in positive regulatory (TT8), late anthocyanin biosynthesis (DFR, ANS, UFGT), as well as transport genes (TT19) were significantly suppressed in the myb113 mutants, further confirming that BjMYB113 was response for the anthocyanin accumulation in purple leaf B. napus. This study contributes to an advanced understanding of the regulation mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in B. napus.

Fermented foods made through microbial growth and enzymatic conversions have been integral to human diets for at least 10,000 years. Recent interest in fermented foods has surged due to their functional properties and health benefits. Cruciferous vegetables of the genus Brassica, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are commonly used to produce fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pao cai, fermented turnips, and others. These foods are rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bioactive compounds, which contribute to their potential health-promoting properties. We examined 12 clinical trials investigating fermented foods of the genus Brassica. These studies, which mainly assessed the health benefits of kimchi or sauerkraut consumption, found that regular intake can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), aid weight loss, and enhance metabolic health. Seven observational studies also observed health benefits when consuming fermented foods of the genus Brassica. Six of the seven observational studies on kimchi intake linked kimchi intake to reduced obesity risk and other health benefits. An observational study linked sauerkraut and cabbage consumption to reduced breast cancer risk. Despite these findings, the exact roles of various microorganisms and bioactive compounds within these health effects require further investigation. This review underscores the potential of fermented cruciferous vegetables as functional foods, and advocates for more clinical trials and mechanistic studies to understand and optimize their health benefits.

Мета. Встановити рівень накопичення алюмінію (Аl) у рослинах представників родини Brassicaceae, використовуваних як сидерати у сільському господарстві та перспективних для фіторемедіації ґрунтів. Предметом дослідження були такі культури, як редька олійна [cорт ‘Кияночка’ (Raphanus sativus L. var oleiformis Pars. ‘Kyianochka’)], гірчиця біла [сортозразок ‘Сонячна’ (Sinapis alba L. ‘Soniachna’)], ріпак озимий [сортозразок ‘Горлиця’ (Brassica napus L. ‘Horlytsia’)], гірчиця сарептська [сортозразок ‘Золотава’ (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. ‘Zolotava’)], суріпиця озима [сорт ‘Оріана’ (Brassica campestris var. oleifera f. biennis D.C. ‘Oriana’)], тифон [сорт ‘Фітопал’ (Brassica campestris var. oleifera f. biennis DC. × Brassica rapa L. ‘Fitopal’)]. Методи. Дослідження проводили в Національному ботанічному саду імені М. М. Гришка НАН України (м. Київ). Рослини, що вирощували як сидерати, аналізували протягом 56 днів на сірому лісовому деградованому супіщаному малогумусному ґрунті, pH 6,5–7,0. Вміст алюмінію визначали, використовуючи оптичний емісійний спектрометр з індуктивно зв’язаною плазмою (ІCP­ОЕS) ІCAP 6300 Duo. Можливість накопичення металу в тканинах рослин оцінювали за допомогою біоконцентраційного фактора (ВF). Результати. Здійснивши вимірювання, встановили такий вміст Аl у тканинах рослин (у перерахунку на абсолютно суху речовину): редька олійна (сорт ‘Кияночка’) – 2035,9 мг/кг; гірчиця біла (сортозразок ‘Сонячна’) – 687,5; ріпак озимий (сортозразок ‘Горлиця’) – 388,6; гірчиця сарептська (сортозразок ‘Золотава’) – 1238,5; суріпиця озима (сорт ‘Оріана’) – 1105,2; тифон (сорт ‘Фітопал’) – 854,4 мг/кг. Висновки. Вміст алюмінію в рослинах за наявних умов вирощування не перевищував 0,2%. Всі досліджені зразки мали показник BF < 1 та не були гіпернакопичувачами елемента за цим критерієм. Однак сортозразок гірчиці сарептської ‘Золотава’, сорт суріпиці озимої ‘Оріана’ та сорт редьки олійної ‘Кияночка’ продемонстрували значне накопичення алюмінію в наземній сухій масі – понад 1000 мг/кг. Найпридатнішою для фітоекстракції алюмінію серед досліджуваних рослин виявилася редька олійна ‘Кияночка’ (BF ≈ 0,4).

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is a devastating potyvirus pathogen that infects a wide variety of both cultivated and wild Brassicaceae plants. We urgently need more information and understanding of TuMV pathogenesis and the host responses involved in disease development in cruciferous crops. TuMV displays great versatility in viral pathogenesis, especially in its replication and intercellular movement. Moreover, in the coevolutionary arms races between TuMV and its hosts, the virus has evolved to co-opt host factors to facilitate its infection and counter host defense responses. This review mainly focuses on recent advances in understanding the viral factors that contribute to the TuMV infection cycle and the host resistance mechanism in Brassica. Finally, we propose some future research directions on TuMV pathogenesis and control strategies to design durable TuMV-resistant Brassica crops.

On March 20, 2024, an outstanding Russian breeder Grigory Fedorovich Monakhos, Head of a scientific school in the field of vegetable breeding, turned 70 years old. The labor, scientific and pedagogical activities of Grigory Fedorovich for more than forty years have been associated with «Timiryazevka” – the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Grigory Fedorovich is the author/co-author of more than 70 hybrids of vegetable crops, of which more than 40 are of white cabbage. In his breeding work, G.F. Monakhos paid the greatest attention to the most complex aspects: the genetic resistance of plants to phytopathogens and pests. Under his leadership, 18 candidates of science defended their theses. G.F. Monakhos is a co-author of more than 130 publications, including a textbook and educational manuals. Grigory Fedorovich is a member of the editorial boards of scientific journals “Izvestiya of Timiryazev Agricultural Academy” and “Potato and Vegetables”.

AbstractPhytoparasitic nematodes pose a widespread threat to agricultural crops worldwide. The escalating nematode damage has placed a substantial burden on growers, compelling heavy reliance on chemical nematicides. However, the use of these chemicals not only inflates production costs but also poses considerable risks to human health and the environment. In response to these challenges, researchers are actively exploring alternative nematode control techniques in agronomic crops, with a focus on environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions. The imperative to reduce dependence on chemical nematicides has spurred interest in developing strategies that are both agronomically effective and environmentally safe. Current nematode management methods often integrate biological and cultural approaches, taking into account ecological and financial considerations. Among these strategies, the utilization of antagonistic plants has emerged as particularly effective. Despite extensive research on the allelopathic properties of plants such as Tagetes, Crotalaria, Brassica, and Azadirachta indica against phytonematodes, the practical implementation of cover cropping with these antagonistic plants in commercial operations still requires attention. This review explores the impact of various antagonistic plants in combating phytonematodes, highlighting their significance in nematode management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassicaceae genus consists of many economically important mustards of value for food and medicinal purposes, namely Asian mustard (Brassica juncea), ball mustard (Neslia paniculata), black mustard (B. nigra), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Asian hedge mustard (S. orientale), oilseed rape (B. napus), rapeseed (B. rapa), treacle mustard (Erysimum repandum), smooth mustard (S. erysimoides), white ball mustard (Calepina irregularis), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and Canola. Some of these are commercially cultivated as oilseeds to meet the global demand for a healthy plant-derived oil, high in polyunsaturated fats, i.e., B. napus and B. juncea. Other species are foraged from the wild where they grow on roadsides and as a weed of arable land, i.e., E. repandum and S. erysimoides, and harvested for medicinal uses. These plants contain a diverse range of bioactive natural products including sulfur-containing glucosinolates and other potentially valuable compounds, namely omega-3-fatty acids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, tannins, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, and trace-elements. Various parts of these plants and many of the molecules that are produced throughout the plant have been used in traditional medicines and more recently in the mainstream pharmaceutical and food industries. This study relates the uses of mustards in traditional medicines with their bioactive molecules and possible mechanisms of action and provides an overview of the current knowledge of Brassicaceae oilseeds and mustards, their phytochemicals, and their biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Whirly transcription factors are unique to plants, playing pivotal roles in managing leaf senescence and DNA repair. While present in various species, their identification in Brassica napus L. (B. napus) and their differences during hybridization and polyploidy has been elusive. Addressing this, our study delves into the functional and evolutionary aspects of the Whirly gene family during the emergence of B. napus, applying bioinformatics and comparative genomics. We identified six Whirly genes in B. napus. In Brassica rapa L. (B. rapa), three Whirly genes were identified, while four were found in Brassica oleracea L. (B. oleracea). The results show that the identified Whirly genes not only have homology but also share the same chromosomal positions. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Whirly genes in monocots and dicots exhibit high conservation. In the evolutionary process, the Whirly gene family in B. napus experienced events of intron/exon loss. Collinearity insights point to intense purifying selection post-duplication. Promoter regions housed diverse cis-acting elements linked to photoresponse, anaerobic initiation, and methyl jasmonate responsiveness. Notably, elements tied to abscisic acid signaling and meristem expression were prominent in diploid ancestors but subdued in tetraploid B. napus. Tissue-specific expression unveiled analogous patterns within subfamily genes. Subsequent qRT-PCR analysis spotlighted BnAWHY1b's potential significance in abiotic stress response, particularly drought. These findings can be used as theoretical foundations to understand the functions and effects of the Whirly gene family in B. napus, providing references for the molecular mechanism of gene evolution between this species and its diploid ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mustard is an important cash crop of the genus Brassica in the family Cruciferae. Low temperature is an important environmental factor limiting the growth of mustard. In this study, 65 leafy mustard cultivars were used as experimental materials, 25 °C was set as the control temperature, and 5 °C was set as chilling stress temperature to investigated the physiological response of chlorophyll (Chl) content, soluble sugar (SS) content, proline (Pro) content, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and chlorophyll fluorescence to chilling injury. The chilling tolerance coefficients of each individual index were measured and correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), the membership function method, and cluster analysis were applied to evaluate chilling tolerance. In a comprehensive analysis, the most chilling-tolerant cultivar was SJTKJ, the least chilling-tolerant cultivar was DX. Stepwise regression was used to establish a mathematical model for evaluating the chilling tolerance of mustard, and four chilling tolerance identification indices, including Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, POD activity, and Rfd were screened. This study provides a reference for the evaluation of the chilling tolerance of mustard and the breeding of new chilling-tolerant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollinators are thought to be the main drivers of floral evolution. Flowers are also colonized by abundant communities of microbes that can affect the interaction between plants and their pollinators. Very little is known, however, about how flower-colonizing microbes influence floral evolution. Here we performed a 6-generation experimental evolution study using fast-cycling Brassica rapa, in which we factorially manipulated the presence of pollinators and flower microbes to determine how pollinators and microbes interact in driving floral evolution. We measured the evolution of 6 morphological traits, as well as the plant mating system and flower attractiveness. Only one of the 6 traits (flower number) evolved in response to pollinators, while microbes did not drive the evolution of any trait, nor did they interact with pollinators in driving the evolution of morphological traits. Moreover, we did not find evidence that pollinators or microbes affected the evolution of flower attractiveness to pollinators. However, we found an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes on the evolution of autonomous selfing, a trait that is expected to evolve in response to pollinator limitations. Overall, we found only weak evidence that microbes mediate floral evolution. However, our ability to detect an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes might have been limited by weak pollinator-mediated selection in our experimental setting. Our results contrast with previous (similar) experimental evolution studies, highlighting the susceptibility of such experiments to drift and to experimental artefacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deviations in the biochemical composition and the formation of secondary metabolites have all been linked to the metabolic fluxes that underlie plant resistance. The current investigation was undertaken to know the induced defence against Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) via altered metabolic flux in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. Pusa Mustard 30, RH 749, NRCHB 101, DRMR 150-35, RH 0406, Pusa Mustard 27 and Pusa Vijay had higher levels constitutive photosynthetic pigments, activity of constitutive enzymes and total glucosinolates, except in a few cases. However, due to infestation by the L. erysimi, the levels of photosynthetic pigments and total glucosinolates significantly decreased, while the activity of antioxidative enzymes and myrosinase increased. However, decrease in the photosynthetic pigments was significantly higher in NRCHB 101, RLC 3, DRMR 150-35, Chattisgarh Sarson and Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31, except in a few cases. Further, RH 725, Pusa Mustard 26, DRMR 150-35, NRCHB 101 and RH 0406 displayed significant enhancement in the antioxidative enzymes, except in a few cases. Total glucosinolate content reduced significantly in Pusa Mustard 26, DRMRIJ 16-38, NRCHB 101, DRMR 150-35 and RH 749, while the activity of myrosinase enhance notably in Pusa Vijay, Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31, Pusa Mustard 25 and NRCHB 101. Present study displayed phytochemicals defence against L. erysimi through shift in the levels of various pigments, enzymes and glucosinolate content. Cultivars RH 725, Pusa Mustard 26, DRMR 150-35, NRCHB 101 and RH 0406 showed significant variation the induced levels of various phytochemicals and enzymes, thus cane be used in Brassica breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Shifts in pollinator occurrence and their pollen transport effectiveness drive the evolution of mating systems in flowering plants. Understanding the genomic basis of these changes is essential for predicting the persistence of a species under environmental changes. We investigated the genomic changes in Brassica rapa over nine generations of pollination by hoverflies associated with rapid morphological evolution toward the selfing syndrome.We combined a genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach with a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify candidate genes, and assessed their functional role in the observed morphological changes by studying mutations of orthologous genes in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.We found 31 candidate genes involved in a wide range of functions from DNA/RNA binding to transport. Our functional assessment of orthologous genes in A. thaliana revealed that two of the identified genes in B. rapa are involved in regulating the size of floral organs. We found a protein kinase superfamily protein involved in petal width, an important trait in plant attractiveness to pollinators. Moreover, we found a histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) associated with stamen length.Altogether, our study shows that hoverfly pollination leads to rapid evolution toward the selfing syndrome mediated by polygenic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early‐stage responses of Brassica juncea, B. napus and B. oleracea during black spot disease and the development of Alternaria brassicicola were evaluated. Infection of plant cells by the fungus occurred mainly through direct penetration or by appressoria and, rarely, stomata in B. juncea and B. oleracea; in B. napus, penetration was mostly direct. The process of conidial germination, germ tubes and appressoria formation on a leaf surface was correlated with the post‐inoculation time and host species (p < 0.05). Changes in the leaf surface were observed at successful infection sites as bright, wax‐deprived areas. Significant differences in progression of infection between Brassica species were observed, with B. oleracea being the most susceptible and B. napus the least. Accumulation of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide was not only observed in plant cells, but also in A. brassicicola germ tubes and appressoria at 8 and 12 h post‐inoculation (hpi). Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation during infection triggered diverse patterns of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant activities and phenolic compound contents in response to A. brassicicola. In each Brassica species, a different antioxidant was the most active. With their antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds also played an essential role in these interactions. This phenomenon could be related to the disparate levels of susceptibility of the Brassica species to A. brassicicola; for example, the most susceptible, B. oleracea, showed high ROS accumulation with decreasing tendency during disease progression, unchanged phenolics content, and the highest catalase activity, differentiating it from B. juncea and B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that the presence of a leafy head is a key morphological characteristic that determines the yield and quality of Chinese cabbage, identifying the major genes regulating the formation of a leafy head is crucial for variety improvement. A heading-related gene, BrKS, was previously predicted from a non-heading mutant, nhm1, derived from a heading variety, which encodes a key enzyme involved in gibberellin biosynthesis. Here, another mutant, nhm2, was identified from the same EMS-mutagenized population, and the phenotype of nhm2 was consistent with that of nhm1. We crossed mutants nhm1 and nhm2, and their F1 plants exhibited the mutant phenotype, which indicated that their mutant genes were allelic. A single non-synonymous mutation in the fourth exon of BrKS in mutant nhm1 and another single non-synonymous mutation in the tenth exon of BrKS in mutant nhm2. The same gene mutation in mutants nhm1 and nhm2 produced a similar non-heading phenotype, which confirmed the role of BrKS in the leafy head formation of Chinese cabbage. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that a transcription factor gene, BrERF1A, which is associated with leaf development, significantly down-regulated expression in mutant nhm1, and after the mutant was treated with GA3, the expression level of BrERF1A was recovered, which indicated that BrKS might be involved in leafy head formation through regulating the expression level of BrERF1A. Our findings provide important clues for revealing the molecular mechanism of leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the agricultural areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation varies widely. UV-B can affect the growth and development of plants. Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) is an important traditional economic crop in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but how turnip responds to UV-B and the complex molecular mechanisms underlying UV-B tolerance remains unclear. In this work, we found that landrace KTRG-B48b grew better and obtained a higher fresh weight of taproot in Lhasa and Kunming than landrace KTRG-B48a through common garden experiments. The phenotypic differences between the two landraces may be mechanism-based. Transcriptomes was used to analyze the differences between KTRG-B48a and KTRG-B48b. The relative expression levels of anthocyanin synthesis genes were upregulated significantly after UV-B treatment. In addition, KTRG-B48b produced less hydrogen peroxide and superoxide than KTRG-B48a. The high expression levels of anthocyanin-related genes can increase accumulation of anthocyanin, which can decrease reactive oxygen species accumulation and improved plant adaptation to the living environment of strong UV-B radiation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In this study, we proposed a model for turnip anthocyanin biosynthesis under strong UV-B radiation. Our results can provide an overview of the transcriptome response of turnip to UV-B tolerance, thus expanding our understanding the functions of anthocyanins biological in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean coastal cliffs are reservoirs of plant biodiversity, hosting vulnerable plant species particularly exposed to the risk of local extinction due to extreme abiotic conditions and climate changes. Therefore, studies aiming to understand the tolerance of cliff plant species to abiotic stresses are important to predict their long‐time persistence or to highlight inherent threats. We used an integrative approach including anatomical, physiological and phenotypic analyses on (a) seeds, (b) cotyledons of seedlings; and (c) young plants to assess whether the cliff species Brassica incana, can tolerate exposure to different seawater (SW: 25%, 50% and 100%) concentrations during the early stages of its life cycle. Seeds could germinate when exposed to up to 50% SW. Seeds did not germinate in 100% SW, but could resume germination after washing with freshwater. Seed germination rate also decreased with increasing SW concentration. Exposure to SW decreased stomatal size and stomatal index of cotyledons and caused long‐lasting and severe damage to the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis. Photochemistry was also sensitive to SW in young plants, but the effect was lower than in cotyledons. This may involve a remodulation of chloroplast dimensions and activation of cellular metabolism. However, photochemical reactions limited photosynthesis at100% SW even after recovery from SW exposure. Our data show that B. incana has strong tolerance to seawater and shows clear signs of halophytic adaptation. Whilst seeds and juvenile plants are able to withstand SW, the seedling stage appears to be more sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Brassica carinata (BBCC) commonly referred to as Ethiopian mustard is a natural allotetraploid containing the genomes of Brassica nigra (BB) and Brassica oleracea (CC). It is an oilseed crop endemic to the northeastern regions of Africa. Although it is under limited cultivation, B. carinata is valuable as it is resistant/highly tolerant to most of the pathogens affecting widely cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. We report a chromosome‐scale genome assembly of B. carinata accession HC20 using long‐read Oxford Nanopore sequencing and Bionano optical maps. The assembly has a scaffold N50 of ~39.8 Mb and covers ~1.11 Gb of the genome. We compared the long‐read genome assemblies of the U's triangle species and found extensive gene collinearity between the diploids and allopolyploids with no evidence of major gene losses. Therefore, B. juncea (AABB), B. napus (AACC), and B. carinata can be regarded as strict allopolyploids. We cataloged the nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat immune receptor (NLR) repertoire of B. carinata and, identified 465 NLRs, and compared these with the NLRs in the other Brassica species. We investigated the extent and nature of early‐generation genomic interactions between the constituent genomes of B. carinata and B. juncea in interspecific crosses between the two species. Besides the expected recombination between the constituent B genomes, extensive homoeologous exchanges were observed between the A and C genomes. Interspecific crosses, therefore, can be used for transferring disease resistance from B. carinata to B. juncea and broadening the genetic base of the two allotetraploid species. Significance Statement: We report a highly contiguous genome assembly of allotetraploid mustard Brassica carinata HC20 (BBCC) which contains resistance to many diseases affecting the other extensively cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. Comparative analyses of the long‐read assemblies of the six Brassica species revealed high gene collinearity between the three diploid and their allotetraploid species. We tracked the early‐generation genomic interactions between the subgenomes of B. carinata (BBCC) and B. juncea (AABB) in their interspecific crosses using molecular karyotyping and proposed strategies to utilize this information for genomic introgressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant architecture is a crucial determinant of crop yield. The number of primary (PB) and secondary branches (SB) is particularly significant in shaping the architecture of Indian mustard. In this study, we analyzed a panel of 86 backcross introgression lines (BCILs) derived from the first stable allohexaploid Brassicas with 170 Sinapis alba genome-specific SSR markers to identify associated markers with higher PB and SB through association mapping. The structure analysis revealed three subpopulations, i.e., P1, P2, and P3, in the association panel containing a total of 11, 33, and 42 BCILs, respectively. We identified five novel SSR markers linked to higher PB and SB. Subsequently, we explored the 20 kb up- and downstream regions of these SSR markers to predict candidate genes for improved branching and annotated them through BLASTN. As a result, we predicted 47 complete genes within the 40 kb regions of all traitlinked markers, among which 35 were identified as candidate genes for higher PB and SB numbers in BCILs. These candidate genes were orthologous to ANT, RAMOSUS, RAX, MAX, MP, SEU, REV, etc., branching genes. The remaining 12 genes were annotated for additional roles using BLASTP with protein databases. This study identified five novel S. alba genome-specific SSR markers associated with increased PB and SB, as well as 35 candidate genes contributing to plant architecture through improved branching numbers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of introgressive genes for higher branching numbers in B. juncea from S. alba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protoplast-based transient gene expression system has been widely used in plant genome editing because of its simple operation and less time-consuming. In order to establish a universal protoplast-based transient transfection system for verifying activities of genome editing vectors containing targets in Brassica, we systematically optimized factors affecting protoplast isolation and transient gene expression. We established an efficient protoplast-based transient gene expression system (PTGE) in Chinese cabbage, achieving high protoplast yield of 4.9 x 105 $ g-1 FW, viability over 95%, and transfection efficiency of 76%. We showed for the first time that pretreatment of protoplasts with a hypotonic MMG could significantly enhance the transfection efficiency. Furthermore, protoplasts incubated at 37 °C for 6 min improved the transfection efficiency to 86%. We also demonstrated that PTGE worked well (more than 50% transfection efficiency) in multiple Brassica species including cabbage, Pak Choi, Chinese kale, and turnip. Finally, PTGE was used for validating the activities of CRISPR/Cas9 vectors containing targets in Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and pak choi, demonstrating the broad applicability of the established PTGE for genome editing in Brassica crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Most traits are polygenic and most genes are pleiotropic, resulting in complex, integrated phenotypes. Polyploidy presents an excellent opportunity to explore the evolution of phenotypic integration as entire genomes are duplicated, allowing for new associations among traits and potentially leading to enhanced or reduced phenotypic integration. Despite the multivariate nature of phenotypic evolution, studies often rely on simplistic bivariate correlations that cannot accurately represent complex phenotypes or data reduction techniques that can obscure specific trait relationships. Methods: We apply network modeling, a common gene co‐expression analysis, to the study of phenotypic integration to identify multivariate patterns of phenotypic evolution, including anatomy and morphology (structural) and physiology (functional) traits in response to whole genome duplication in the genus Brassica. Results: We identify four key structural traits that are overrepresented in the evolution of phenotypic integration. Seeding networks with key traits allowed us to identify structure–function relationships not apparent from bivariate analyses. In general, allopolyploids exhibited larger, more robust networks indicative of increased phenotypic integration compared to diploids. Discussion: Phenotypic network analysis may provide important insights into the effects of selection on non‐target traits, even when they lack direct correlations with the target traits. Network analysis may allow for more nuanced predictions of both natural and artificial selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects are predicted to have higher densities in larger patches, while their natural enemies will be more affected by the edge of these patches. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the relationship between brassica horticultural plot shape and the adjacent land use on the abundance of P. xylostella and its chances to be parasitised. Samples were collected from brassica plots during spring. Landscape metrics of the study area were estimated using Landsat images. We found a negative relationship between the pest abundance and the perimeter-to-area ratio of the brassica plot, and a positive relationship with land cover estimated from Landsat images. The proportion of parasitised immatures showed opposite relationship with the same variables. Implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global crop yield and growth are severely impacted by hazardous heavy metal contamination of the soil and water. Hence, this study examined the effects of three different levels of cadmium (Cd) stress (concentrations of 0, 1.5, and 2.25 mM) and the foliar application of a biostimulant, i.e. Moringa leaf extract (MLE), on a range of physiological, biochemical, and morphological parameters of two canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars, Punjab (V1) and Super (V2). More Cd was accumulated in both the aerial and subterranean sections of V1 than in V2. The morphological and physiological indicators showed a substantial (p < 0.05) deterioration as a result of the Cd buildup. The ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were considerably (p < 0.05) elevated under Cd stress. V1 had considerably higher H2O2 levels than V2, which suggests that the oxidative stress levels were higher. Additionally, the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and peroxidase (POD) (65% and 40%, respectively), were decreased by the higher concentration of Cd (2.25 mM). V2 demonstrated stronger antioxidant defense mechanisms than V1, as seen by a 115% increase in POD activity, a 70% increase in shoot fresh weight, and a 49% increase in amino acids following the MLE application. Despite this, V2 was still able to withstand the Cd. Under Cd stress, the foliar treatment of MLE increased the yield, growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of both V1 and V2. The findings indicated that applying MLE foliar spray can improve crop productivity and lessen the impacts of metals on B. napus L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brassicaceae self‐incompatibility (SI), self‐pollen rejection is initiated by the S‐haplotype specific interactions between the pollen S cysteine‐rich/S‐locus protein 11 (SCR/SP11) ligands and the stigma S receptor kinases (SRK). In Brassica SI, a member of the Plant U‐Box (PUB) E3 ubiquitin ligases, ARM‐repeat containing 1 (ARC1), is then activated by SRK in this stigma and cellular events downstream of this cause SI pollen rejection by inhibiting pollen hydration and pollen tube growth. During the transition to selfing, Arabidopsis thaliana lost the SI components, SCR, SRK, and ARC1. However, this trait can be reintroduced into A. thaliana by adding back functional copies of these genes from closely related SI species. Both SCR and SRK are required for this, though the degree of SI pollen rejection varies between A. thaliana accessions, and ARC1 is not always needed to produce a strong SI response. For the A. thaliana C24 accession, only transforming with Arabidopsis lyrataSCR and SRK confers a strong SI trait (SI‐C24), and so here, we investigated if ARC1‐related PUBs were involved in the SI pathway in the transgenic A. thaliana SI‐C24 line. Two close ARC1 homologs, PUB17 and PUB16, were selected, and (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology was used to generate pub17 and pub16 mutations in the C24 accession. These mutants were then crossed into the transgenic A. thaliana SI‐C24 line and their potential impact on SI pollen rejection was investigated. Overall, we did not observe any significant differences in SI responses to implicate PUB17 and PUB16 functioning in the transgenic A. thaliana SI‐C24 stigma to reject SI pollen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Global warming has a severe impact on the flowering time and yield of crops. Histone modifications have been well-documented for their roles in enabling plant plasticity in ambient temperature. However, the factor modulating histone modifications and their involvement in habitat adaptation have remained elusive. In this study, through genome-wide pattern analysis and quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) mapping, we reveal that BrJMJ18 is a candidate gene for a QTL regulating thermotolerance in thermotolerant B. rapa subsp. chinensis var. parachinensis (or Caixin, abbreviated to Par). BrJMJ18 encodes an H3K36me2/3 Jumonji demethylase that remodels H3K36 methylation across the genome. We demonstrate that the BrJMJ18 allele from Par (BrJMJ18Par) influences flowering time and plant growth in a temperature-dependent manner via characterizing overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 mutant plants. We further show that overexpression of BrJMJ18Par can modulate the expression of BrFLC3, one of the five BrFLC orthologs. Furthermore, ChIP-seq and transcriptome data reveal that BrJMJ18Par can regulate chlorophyll biosynthesis under high temperatures. We also demonstrate that three amino acid mutations may account for function differences in BrJMJ18 between subspecies. Based on these findings, we propose a working model in which an H3K36me2/3 demethylase, while not affecting agronomic traits under normal conditions, can enhance resilience under heat stress in Brassica rapa. The study reveals that the BrJMJ18 gene, encoding an H3K36me2/3 Jumonji demethylase, is a candidate gene for a QTL regulating thermotolerance in a thermotolerant Brassica rapa subspecies, and its allele (BrJMJ18Par) can modulate flowering time, plant growth, and chlorophyll biosynthesis in a temperature-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed quality traits of oilseed rape, Brassica napus (B. napus), exhibit quantitative inheritance determined by its genetic makeup and the environment via the mediation of a complex genetic architecture of hundreds to thousands of genes. Thus, instead of single gene analysis, network-based systems genomics and genetics approaches that combine genotype, phenotype, and molecular phenotypes offer a promising alternative to uncover this complex genetic architecture. In the current study, systems genetics approaches were used to explore the genetic regulation of lignin traits in B. napus seeds. Four QTL (qLignin_A09_1, qLignin_A09_2, qLignin_A09_3, and qLignin_C08) distributed on two chromosomes were identified for lignin content. The qLignin_A09_2 and qLignin_C08 loci were homologous QTL from the A and C subgenomes, respectively. Genome-wide gene regulatory network analysis identified eightythree subnetworks (or modules); and three modules with 910 genes in total, were associated with lignin content, which was confirmed by network QTL analysis. eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) analysis revealed four cis-eQTL genes including lignin and flavonoid pathway genes, cinnamoyl-CoA-reductase (CCR1), and TRANSPARENT TESTA genes TT4, TT6, TT8, as causal genes. The findings validated the power of systems genetics to identify causal regulatory networks and genes underlying complex traits. Moreover, this information may enable the research community to explore new breeding strategies, such as network selection or gene engineering, to rewire networks to develop climate resilience crops with better seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) poses a significant threat to cruciferous vegetable crops, leading to economic losses and challenges in sustainable agriculture. This 2-year field study evaluated the efficacy of exclusion netting and selected biopesticides in controlling harlequin bug populations in a field-grown broccoli crop. Treatments included an untreated control, industry standards Azera and Entrust, and ProtekNet mesh netting. Additionally, three commercial essential oil treatments including Essentria IC-3, Nature-Cide, and Zero Tolerance were tested along with two bokashi fermented composting products BrewKashi and Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). During both the first and second year of the study, none of the commercially produced essential oil products or bokashi products were effective in controlling harlequin bug or preventing leaf scars. Conversely, ProtekNet consistently provided the highest level of protection against harlequin bugs of all stages as well as leaf damage scars; it also provided the largest broccoli head width and highest yield. Entrust showed similar results compared to ProtekNet, both with the control of harlequin bug life stages and with leaf scars. These findings indicate that both ProtekNet and Entrust are effective organic alternatives for managing harlequin bug on broccoli, while the selected essential oil and bokashi products do not appear to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]