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A future for kale – testing and breeding development of kale (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. sabellica) for different growing periods under organic growing conditions (GRUENKOHL)
Project
Project code: 2822OE067A
Contract period: 01.06.2024
- 31.05.2029
Budget: 409,357 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: agricultural biodiversity, leafy vegetables, vegetable production, ingredients, climate protection, plant breeding, seed and planting material, secondary crop ingredients, organic farming
The aim of the proposed project is to expand the spectrum of available varieties of the neglected cabbage variety kale (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. sabellica) through breeding and cultivation trials. The aim is to adapt the cultivated populations to resource-conserving conditions in organic farming, in particular to different cultivation seasons and their respective markets (summer, early winter, overwintering). With the development of a breeding line for summer cropping, the project addresses the year-round use of kale for smoothies or salads, which is an interesting and growing niche. At the same time, breeding lines for classic early winter and overwintering cultivation are being developed. Breeding takes place on-farm on three certified organic (biodynamic) commercial farms involved in the project. Positive mass selection and individual plant selection with progeny testing will be applied. Specifically, two selection steps including seed production will be carried out in each of four breeding programs. At the same time, two-year cultivation trials are planned at three locations in the summer, early winter, and overwintering cultivation periods. In addition to the agronomic properties, health-promoting and sensory-relevant compounds will be investigated. These are primarily the glucosinolates typical of cabbage, but also flavonoids, carotenoids, and carbohydrates, the concentration of which will be analyzed by mass spectrometry. To determine the quality, the kale samples are also tasted by a trained panel to determine sensory profiles. Based on this, consumer acceptance will be determined. At the end of the project, favorite lines will be tested with regard to their suitability for mechanical harvesting in practical cultivation.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Vegetable Gardening
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Funding institution
Project management agencies
Associated projects: GRUENKOHL
- A future for kale – testing and breeding development of kale (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. sabellica) for different growing periods under organic growing conditions
- A future for kale – testing and breeding development of kale (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. sabellica) for different growing periods under organic growing conditions
