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Collaborative project: Breeding and development of open-pollinated broccoli varieties for organic horticulture with regard to agronomic characteristics and sensory properties. Subproject 2
Project
Project code: 2810OE080
Contract period: 10.10.2011
- 31.05.2017
Budget: 346,114 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The project aim was to test and select genotypes and traditional open pollinating varieties of broccoli (no hybrids or CMS-hybrids) for suitable for organic farming. Selection criteria were agronomic parameters like stability of yield, uniformity, harvesting period, firmness of heads and high levels of bioactive health benefitting compounds in the plant material. In addition, to make the breeding process for bioactive compounds faster and cheaper for on-farm-breeders, a sensor tool to determine secondary plant metabolites was tested and calibrated. During the three-year project period on-farm selection of genotypes took place with Kultursaat e.V.-on-farm-breeders and at the organic research station of the University of Hohenheim. Together with the cooperation partner Kultursaat e.V., Broccoli genotypes, selected by Kultursaat e.V., were tested for secondary plant compounds, especially glucosinolates, and agronomic parameters. The project results showed that despite the large variability within the open pollinated genotypes some already performed similar to hybrid varieties frequently used in organic farming. Some of the open pollinated genotypes showed only slightly lower head weights, yields and diameter of heads. The contents of glucosinolates where significantly related to the factors “genotype” and “cultivation period”. The open pollinated genotypes and varieties showed a trend to higher gulcosinolate contents compared to the hybrids. During project duration higher glucosinolate contents were determined in the offspring compared to the parent generation. This implies a breeding progress towards higher contents of bioactive compounds. The calibration of the sensor tool for different glucosinolates was completed and the start of head development was determined as the best starting point for measurements. It was not possible to calibrate the sensor tool for the vegetative stages of plant development. In the hedonic and analytic sensory panels, two open pollinating genotypes and one hybrid performed best in terms of taste. Finally, two open pollinated genotypes performed good to very good for almost all tested parameters and are recommended for further breeding activities.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Vegetable Gardening
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
