Variety traits

Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS) in Broccoli

Brassica oleracea L. (Broccoli Group)

A genetic trait used in broccoli breeding to control pollination and produce F1 hybrids without the need for labor-intensive manual flower emasculation.

In the reference 7 varieties crop Broccoli, where this is mentioned in the description.

In broccoli, CMS is based on the maternal inheritance of the trait via the mitochondrial genome. Since natural forms of sterility are rare in this crop, the Ogura CMS method, based on the use of radish cytoplasm, is widely applied in breeding. To produce hybrids with normal fertility, nuclear fertility restorer genes (Rf) are introduced into the genotype of the paternal lines.

The trait is diagnosed using PCR analysis to identify specific mitochondrial genes such as orf138, orf222, and orf224. Morphological control involves a visual assessment of the androecium and pollen viability during the flowering period, where complete sterility manifests as the degeneration of anthers.

General information about the subject — on the page Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS).

Sources8

Varieties of Broccoli mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.