York scientists’ role in genome sequence lays foundation for better cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli
Posted on Friday 23 May 2014
Researchers from the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) in the Department of Biology at York were part of an international team which included scientists from China, Australia, USA, Canada, South Korea and France.
The research which is published in Nature Communications provides new insights into the establishment of the genome sequence of the main horticultural brassica species. The findings will underpin further research into the genetics and biology of this important crop species which includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and is a close relative of oilseed rape.
In addition to contributing to the analysis of the data, the York team, led by Professor Ian Bancroft, improved the quality and utility of the genome sequence by relating it to genetic linkage maps.
Professor Bancroft said: “This resource will be of tremendous benefit for research programs around the world, both those focussing on the fundamental biology of Brassica species and those aiming to bring about predictive genetic improvement of familiar brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.”
The work in the UK was supported by UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Further information
- The paper ‘The Brassica oleracea genome reveals the asymmetrical evolution of polyploid genomes’ is published in Nature Communication.
- For more information about the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products in the Department of Biology at the University of York, please visit: http://www.york.ac.uk/biology/centrefornovelagriculturalproducts/
