Phylogenetic patterns of understudied species within the plant genus Brassica: Future prospects in the post genomics-era

Abstract

Brassica remains to be one of the agriculturally important genera of plants worldwide due to its diverse nature of crops cultivated all across the globe. Despite the rich species diversity within the genus Brassica, detailed studies on phylogeny and evolutionary origins have primarily focused on just six species, which have given rise to nearly all of the currently cultivated Brassica crops. Continuous breeding practices for specific traits in these six species have led to significant challenges, including nutrient depletion, increased susceptibility to plant pathogens, and vulnerability to changing climate conditions in the present generation of crops. Lack of established phylogenetic relationships among the species of Brassica remains to be a significant barrier hindering error-free conservation and use of Brassica resources. We have identified putative phylogenetic relationships between Brassica crop wild relatives (CWRs) by reinforcing data from several genetic markers and metabolite based studies. Supplementation of genomic data for a robust phylogeny and current status of availability of genomic data of Brassica crop wild relatives (CWRs) from public database has been highlighted. This report identifies critical gaps in Brassica research addressing of which would facilitate effective conservation and use of Brassica genetic resources.