Working Group "Genetic Resources in Rapeseed"

The focus of work is on the enlargement of the genetic variation of rapeseed (Brassica napus) through the use of wild and cultivated types of turnip rape (B. rapa) and cabbage ( B. oleracea) and via release of mutants. Both, research on basic methods and the development of basic material for breeding are major objectives. The traits under study comprise seed quality, leaf glucosinolate content, nitrogen efficiency and heterosis of yield. Most projects are jointly carried out with the working groups 'Genome Analysis and Application of Markers in Rapeseed' and 'Biotechnology and Quality Breeding in Rapeseed'.


Current research areas:

• Resynthezised rapeseed using wild types of B. oleracea (Tobias Jesske)
  
• Genetic variation and inheritance of leaf glucosinolates (Stijn Cleemput)
  
• Research to increase nitrogen efficiency

Recently completed projects:

• Heterosis and combining ability for biomass of turnip rape (Ofori Atta)
• Resynthesized rapeseed as model to analyse fixed heterosis (Franziska Wespel)
  

Technical Staff:
Gerald Miotke