2017 Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 265-271
Intergeneric hybrid plants were obtained by crosses between spinach mustard (Brassica rapa L. Perviridis Group) and arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.), both belonging to the Brassicaceae family, followed by ovule culture. The morphological characteristics of the hybrid were as follows: inflorescences and leaf blades were intermediate between the parents, while the sequence of the placenta was B. rapa L. type, and the shape of the stalk leaf base was E. sativa Mill. type. GISH analysis by probing with total genomic DNA of either B. rapa L. or E. sativa Mill. confirmed the hybridity of the amphihaploid. Analysis of the secondary metabolites revealed that the crossing hybrid contained all the glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that were found in both species, in addition to the erucin precursor (4-methylthiobutyl-GSL: Glucoerucin) and sulforaphane precursor (4-methylsulfinylbutyl-GSL: Glucoraphanin), both specific to arugula. These results demonstrate that intergeneric crosses between B. rapa L. and E. sativa Mill. are expected to expand genetic variation and lead to the successful breeding of new value-added tender greens that meet consumer needs.
