Taxonomic Relationships and Biochemical Genetic Characterization of Brassica Resources: Towards a Recent Platform for Germplasm Improvement and Utilization

Abstract

The genus Brassica L. is one of the most economically important genera in the family Brassicaceae. It has an essential role in agriculture and horticulture, as well as contributing to the economy and populations health. This genus includes numerous species comprising major vegetable and oilseed crops with various agronomic traits that need to be further characterized. The present paper highlights the current knowledge of taxonomy, chromosome number, genomic relationships, geographical distribution, origin, domestication, and breeding technologies of the six economically important Brassica species grown in Egypt, as well as describing their genetic diversity and relationships at the level of biochemical markers, including storage proteins and isozymes. This information would help developing new and more productive crops of disease resistant and highly agronomic traits, resulting in a recent platform for crop improvement and conservation.