Cabbage genebank and breeding of hybrid varieties (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L. f. alba)

Abstract

Cabbage production in Slovenia has a long tradition. Domestic varieties are bred from autochthonous population from different parts of Slovenia. The characteristics of domestic varieties (e.g. for sauering) are important for Slovenian consumers. On the other hand hybrid cultivars are uniform, give much higher yields and they are resistant to different diseases. So far, cabbage breeding at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia and at Biotechnical faculty was focused on breeding of hybrid cultivar with germplasm of domesticated varieties and with increased resistance to black root (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Pammel). A cross-breeds between domesticated variety ‘Varaždinsko’ and English hybrid cultivar ‘Hawke’ were used for inbreed production via microspore culture. Lines and hybrids were analysed in field trial and compared with commercial hybrids. Based on these results, the new procedure of breeding will be designed. If we will determine a favorable combination of two or more lines, the part of a project will be focused on lines reproduction with self pollination, detecting expression of incompatibility and cross-pollination abilities. In this way the hybrid seed will be produced and included in the national variety tests. At the same time we will continue with self-pollination to provide enough seeds of selected lines. The newly produced lines will be included in the new crossings. In this way we will gain the material needed for the continuation of breeding program.

As an important source of germplasm for crosses are the local autochthonous varieties. The gene bank of cabbage at Agricultural Institute of Slovenia combines 12 accessions from different parts of Slovenia. Two of these are Slovenian cultivars: ‘Emona’ and ‘Kranjsko okroglo’. Both varieties were bred at Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. According to the assessment of morphological and biochemical characteristics of all accessions in gene bank the most appropriate ones will be chosen for the production of new varieties and hybrids.