Genetic diversity and biochemical value of root cabbage crops (Brassicaceae Burnett)

Root crops of the Cabbage family (radish, turnip, garden radish, Russian turnip) are valuable root vegetable crops widely cultivated in the world. Radish and garden radish belong to botanical species Raphanus sativus L., turnips belong to species Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa, and Russian turnip to Brassica napobrassica L. The root crops are valuable for high concentration of vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, PP, C, essential amino acids and essential and mustard oils. The world collection of root plants of Cabbage family is represented by more than 2500 samples of garden radish and radish from 75 countries; 604 samples of turnip from 32 countries, 251 samples of rutabaga from 26 countries. The researchers from Russian Institute of Genetic Plant Resources named after N.I.Vavilov are involved in collecting, preserving and investigating genetic resources of root crops. The collection is being completed by expeditionary surveys, references from breeding institutions in Russia, extracts from foreign genetic banks and commercial acquisitions. The authors focus on the fact that cultivation of root crops in the Asian part of Russia requires varieties of garden radish, radish, turnips and Russian turnip not only with high yield potential, but also well adapted to local conditions, high nutritional value and high concentration of biologically active matters. Breeding of these crops should be aimed at improving their biological and consumer properties. The properties are seen as tasty varieties, ones with nutritional value that are able to keep juiciness of the pulp for a long time and resistant to biotic and abiotic environmental factors.

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