The molecular basis of Kale domestication: Transcription profiling of leaves and meristems provides new insights into the evolution of aBrassica oleraceavegetative morphotype

Abstract

Premise of the study: Morphotypes of Brassica oleracea are the result of a dynamic interaction between genes that regulate the transition between vegetative and reproductive stages and those that regulate leaf morphology and plant architecture. In kales ornate leaves, delayed flowering, and nutritional quality are some of the characters potentially selected by humans during domestication. Methods: We used a combination of developmental studies and RNAseq experiments to understand the vegetative domestication syndrome of kale. To identify candidate genes that are responsible for the evolution of domestic kale we searched for transcriptome-wide differences among three vegetative B. oleracea morphotypes. RNAseq experiments were used to understand the global pattern of expressed genes during one single phase of development in kale, cabbage and the rapid cycling kale line TO1000. Key Results: We identified gene expression patterns that differ among morphotypes, and estimate the contribution of morphotype-specific gene expression that sets kale apart (2378 differentially expressed genes). Differentially expressed genes that regulate the vegetative to reproductive transition were abundant in all morphotypes. Genes involved in leaf morphology, plan architecture, defense and nutrition were differentially expressed in kale. Conclusions: RNA-Seq experiments allow the discovery of novel candidate genes involved in the kale domestication syndrome. We identified candidate genes differentially expressed in kale that could be responsible for variation in flowering times, taste and herbivore defense, variation in leaf morphology, plant architecture, and nutritional value. Understanding candidate genes responsible for kale domestication is of importance to ultimately improve Cole crop production.

Agronomic Productivity and Organic Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield Performance of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in Northwestern Ethiopia

“…In the approach of scientific research, this practice is not well explained and is not yet justified. Of course, the cabbage crop has several auxiliary buds on its stem [ 19 ]. In either case, these buds are responsible for developing into smaller heads.…”