Genetics and Genomics of the Brassicaceae

The Genetics and Genomics of the Brassicaceae provides a review of this important family (commonly termed the mustard family, or Cruciferae). The phylogeny and karyotype evolution of the Brassicaceae are summarised as is the widespread phenomenon of self-incompatibilty. The family contains several cultivated species, including radish, rocket, watercress, wasabi and horseradish, in addition to the vegetable and oil crops of the Brassica genus. There are numerous further species with great potential for exploitation in 21st century agriculture and these opportunities are presented. Detailed descriptions are provided of the genetics of the cultivated Brassica crops, including both the species producing most of the Brassica vegetable crops (B. rapa and B. oleracea) and the principal species producing oilseed crops (B. napus and B. juncea). Important "model" plant species are also found in this family. Most prominent is Arabidopsis thaliana, the first plant species to have its genome sequenced. Natural genetic variation is reviewed for A. thaliana, as are the genetics of the closely related A. lyrata, the genus Capsella and other upcoming models. Sequence-level characterization of the genomes of A. thaliana and B. rapa are presented, along with summaries of comparative studies conducted at both linkage map and sequence level and analysis of the structural and functional evolution of resynthesised polyploids. Genome evolution following polyploidy can be studied particularly well in this family because some species such as B. napus show evidence for multiple rounds of polyploidy during their relatively recent evolution. Interest arising from both the commercial value of crop species of the Brassicaceae and the importance of A. thaliana as a model species, has led to the development of numerous resources to support research some of which are described.