Genomics for sustainable rapeseed production

Context

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is the world’s third-largest source of vegetable oil, with the residual protein-rich meal used as feed for livestock. The crop is cultivated in rotation with cereals, helping manage weeds, pests and diseases. Sustainability drivers include genetic solutions to improve tolerance to pests and diseases, nutrient efficiency and co-product quality.

The research

Our research uses state-of-the-art genomics to explore the molecular basis of both natural and induced genetic variation. By relating this to variation of crop traits, we underpin the predictive improvement of rapeseed by accelerating “traditional” breeding methods.

Much of our work is collaborative; providing genomics insights to a broad range of research programmes.

Project activities and publications

• Sequencing Brassica genomes
• Association genetics in Brassica napus
• Genome structure-function relationships
• Genomics of mustard rape