Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybridization Between Brassicaceae Species.

Plants in the Brassicaceae family contain glucosinolates which degrade to form cyanide-like compounds that reduce the incidence of certain disease and pest problems in subsequent crops. Brassica napus, B. carinata, B. juncea, B. nigra, Sinapis alba and S. arvensis, each with a characteristic glucosinolate profile, were used in a breeding program in an attempt to incorporate the biopesticidal qualities of these species into new cultivars which could provide alternatives to synthetic soil fumigants. Interspecific and intergeneric hybridization in tandem with ovary culture, embryo rescue and colchicine-induced chromosome doubling have produced several hybrid combinations that contain both parental glucosinolate types. These have been increased in the greenhouse and grown in field trials over the past five years. Techniques used to develop these hybrids as well as problems encountered will be discussed. In addition, seed meal and seed oil quality data will be presented.