BUSCADOR RECOLECTA

Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) is a cruciferous vegetable widely cultivated for its leaves and flower buds in Europe and a food of global interest as a 'superfood'. Brassica crops accumulate phytochemicals called glucosinolates (GSLs) which play an important role in plant defense against biotic stresses. Studies carried out to date suggest that GSLs may have a role in the adaptation of plants to different environments, but direct evidence is lacking. We grew two kale populations divergently selected for high and low indol-3-ylmethylGSL (IM) content (H-IM and L-IM, respectively) in different environments and analyzed agronomic parameters, GSL profiles and metabolomic profile. We found a significant increase in fresh and dry foliar weight in H-IM kale populations compared to L-IM in addition to a greater accumulation of total GSLs, indole GSLs and, specifically, IM and 1-methoxyindol-3-ylmethylGSL (1MeOIM). Metabolomic analysis revealed a significant different concentration of 44 metabolites in H-IM kale populations compared to L-IM. According to tentative peak identification from MS interpretation, 80% were phenolics, including flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and anthocyanin derivates, including acyl flavonoids), chlorogenic acids (esters of hydroxycinnamic acids and quinic acid), hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid) and coumarins. H-IM kale populations could be more tolerant to diverse environmental conditions, possibly due to GSLs and the associated metabolites with predicted antioxidant potential., This research and APC was funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, of the Government of Spain, grant number RTI2018-096591-B-I00.

Endophytic fungi of crops can promote plant growth through various mechanisms of action (i.e., improve nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency, and produce and modulate plant hormones). The genus Brassica includes important horticultural crops, which have been little studied in their interaction with endophytic fungi. Previously, four endophytic fungi were isolated from kale roots (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), with different benefits for their host, including plant growth promotion, cold tolerance, and induction of resistance to pathogens (Xanthomonas campestris) and pests (Mamestra brassicae). In the present work, the molecular and morphological identification of the four different isolates were carried out, describing them as the species Acrocalymma vagum, Setophoma terrestris, Fusarium oxysporum, and the new species Pyrenophora gallaeciana. In addition, using a representative crop of each Brassica U’s triangle species and various in vitro biochemical tests, the ability of these fungi to promote plant growth was described. In this sense, the four fungi used promoted the growth of B. rapa, B. napus, B. nigra, B. juncea, and B. carinata, possibly due to the production of auxins, siderophores, P solubilization or cellulase, xylanase or amylase activity. Finally, the differences in root colonization between the four endophytic fungi and two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and the root glucosinolate profile were studied, at different times. In this way, how the presence of progoitrin in the roots reduces their colonization by endophytic and pathogenic fungi was determined, while the possible hydrolysis of sinigrin to fungicidal products controls the colonization of endophytic fungi, but not of pathogens., This research was financially supported by projects RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and IN607A 2021/03 (Xunta de Galicia, Spain). EM acknowledges an European Union’s Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (Grant Agreement nº 897795).

Brassica crops include important vegetables known as 'superfoods' due to the content of phytochemicals of great interest to human health, such as glucosinolates (GSLs) and antioxidant compounds. On the other hand, Trichoderma is a genus of filamentous fungi that includes several species described as biostimulants and/or biological control agents in agriculture. In a previous work, an endophytic strain of Trichoderma hamatum was isolated from kale roots (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), describing its ability to induce systemic resistance in its host plant. In the present work, some of the main leafy Brassica crops (kale, cabbage, leaf rape and turnip greens) have been root‐inoculated with T. hamatum, having the aim to verify the possible capacity of the fungus as a biostimulant in productivity as well as the foliar content of GSLs and its antioxidant potential, in order to improve these 'superfoods'. The results reported, for the first time, an increase in the productivity of kale (55%), cabbage (36%) and turnip greens (46%) by T. hamatum root inoculation. Furthermore, fungal inoculation reported a significant increase in the content of total GSLs in cabbage and turnip greens, mainly of the GSLs sinigrin and gluconapin, respectively, along with an increase in their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, T. hamatum could be a good agricultural biostimulant in leafy Brassica crops, increasing the content of GSLs and antioxidant potential of great food and health interest., This research was financially supported by projects RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and IN607A 2021/03 (Xunta de Galicia, Spain).

This project focuses on Brassica oleracea species, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, more specifically from the Brassica genus. The interest of this species lies in the fact that includes varieties of great agricultural interest in Europe, such as cauliflower, broccoli or cabbage, and also produces bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, of great interest for human health, due to its chemopreventive effects. Currently, for B. oleracea cultures, yield losses caused by pathogens, such as the bacterium Xanthomona campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). In this work it is proposed to study the effects of B. oleracea cultures infected in different phases (juvenile and adult plant) by Xcc, as well as the final quality of the products, performing glucosinolate analysis. Likewise, the molecular and metabolic bases involved in tolerance to the pathogen Xcc and biomass will be studied, through the analysis of physiological parameters (conductivity, photosynthesis, stomatal opening), accumulation of defense metabolites (glucosinolates, phenolic compounds), reserve substances ( starch , sugars), chlorophyll accumulation, antioxidant capacity ... etc. This thesis project is included in the RTI2018-096591-B-I00 R + D + i project, which aims to understand the genetic bases of resistance to Xcc, the relationship between glucosinolate content and resistance and metabolic and transcriptomic response against Xcc infection, knowledge that in the future could be used for genetic improvement that allows obtaining natural resistance against infection., Este proyecto se centra en la especie Brassica oleracea, perteneciente a la familia Brassicaceae, más concretamente al género Brassica. El interés en dicha especie radica en que reúne variedades de gran interés agrícola en Europa, como la coliflor, el brócoli o la col, y además produce compuestos bioactivos, como es el caso de los glucosinolatos, que resultan de gran interés para la salud humana, dado sus efectos quimiopreventivos. Actualmente para los cultivos de B. oleracea suponen un importante problema las pérdidas producidas por patógenos, como es el caso de la bacteria Xanthomona campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). En este trabajo se plantea estudiar el rendimiento de los cultivos de B. oleracea infectados en distintas fases (planta juvenil y adulta) por Xcc, y también la calidad final de los productos, realizando análisis de glucosinolatos. Así mismo, se estudiarán las bases moleculares y metabólicas que intervienen en la tolerancia al patógeno Xcc y a la biomasa, mediante el análisis de parámetros fisiológicos (conductividad, fotosíntesis, apertura estomática), acumulación de metabolitos de defensa (glucosinolatos, compuestos fenólicos), sustancias de reserva (almidón, azúcares), acumulación de clorofila, capacidad antioxidante… etc. Este proyecto de tesis está recogido dentro del proyecto de I+D RTI2018-096591-B-I00, en el que se pretende comprender las bases genéticas de la resistencia a Xcc, la relación entre el contenido de glucosinolatos y la resistencia y la respuesta metabólica y transcriptómica frente a la infección con Xcc, conocimientos que en un futuro se podría emplear para la mejora genética que permita obtener resistencia natural frente a la infección., Este proxecto céntrase nas especies Brassica oleracea, pertencentes á familia Brassicaceae, máis concretamente ao xénero Brassica. O interese desta especie reside en que reúne variedades de gran interese agrícola en Europa, como a coliflor, o brócoli ou o repolo, e tamén produce compostos bioactivos, como os glicosinolatos, de gran interese para a saúde humana. , dados os seus efectos quimiopreventivos. Actualmente, para os cultivos de B. oleracea, as perdas causadas por axentes patóxenos, como a bacteria Xanthomona campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). Neste traballo proponse estudar o comportamento de cultivos de B. oleracea infectados en distintas fases (planta xuvenil e adulta) por Xcc, así como a calidade final dos produtos, realizando análises de glucosinolato. Así mesmo, estudaranse as bases moleculares e metabólicas implicadas na tolerancia ao patóxeno Xcc e á biomasa, a través da análise de parámetros fisiolóxicos (condutividade, fotosíntese, apertura estomática), acumulación de metabolitos de defensa (glucosinolatos, compostos fenólicos), reserva de substancias ( amidón). , azucres), acumulación de clorofila, capacidade antioxidante ... etc. Este proxecto de tese inclúese no proxecto RTI2018-096591-B-I00 I + D + i, que ten como obxectivo comprender as bases xenéticas da resistencia a Xcc, a relación entre o contido e resistencia de glucosinolato e a resposta metabólica e transcriptómica. contra a infección por Xcc, coñecemento que no futuro podería usarse para a mellora xenética que permita obter resistencia natural contra a infección., Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-096591-B-I00, Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-094650-J-I00, Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2021-126472OB-I00, Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PRE2019-089168

© The Author(s)., The seed oil content and the fatty acid composition of a germplasm collection of Brassica napus and Brassica rapa currently grown in Galicia (northwestern Spain) were evaluated in order to identify potentially interesting genotypes and to assess their suitability as oilseed crops for either edible or industrial purposes. The seeds of the B. rapa landraces had higher oil content (mean 47.3%) than those of B. napus (mean 42.8%). The landraces of both species showed a similar fatty acid profile (12% oleic acid, 13% linoleic acid, 8–9% linolenic acid, 8–9% eicosenoic acid, and 50–51% erucic acid). They were very high in erucic acid content, which is nutritionally undesirable in a vegetable oil, and very low in oleic and linoleic acid contents. Therefore, they could be used for industrial purposes but not as edible oil. The erucic acid content ranged from 42% to 54% of the total fatty acid composition with an average value of 50% in the B. napus landraces whereas in B. rapa, it ranged from 43% to 57%, with an average value of 51%. Considering the seed oil and the erucic acid content together, three varieties within the B. napus collection and two varieties within the B. rapa one seem to be the most promising genotypes for industrial purposes., This research was funded by the Project “Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae. Implicaciones en la mejora genética y defensa a estreses” Ref. RTI2018-096591-B-I00 of the Spanish Government., Peer reviewed

Standard wet chemistry analytical techniques currently used to determine plant fibre constituents are costly, time-consuming and destructive. In this paper the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to analyse the contents of acid detergent fibre (ADF) in turnip greens and turnip tops has been assessed. Three calibration equations were developed: in the equation without mathematical treatment the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.91, in the first-derivative treatment equation R2 = 0.95 and in the second-derivative treatment R2 = 0.96. The estimation accuracy was based on RPD (the ratio between the standard deviation and the standard error of validation) and RER (the ratio between the range of ADF of the validation as a whole and the standard error of prediction) of the external validation. RPD and RER values were of 2.75 and 9.00 for the treatment without derivative, 3.41 and 11.79 with first-derivative, and 3.10 and 11.03 with second-derivative. With the acid detergent residue spectrum the wavelengths were identified and associated with the ADF contained in the sample. The results showed a great potential of NIRS for predicting ADF content in turnip greens and turnip tops., This research was funded by the Project “Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae. Implicaciones en la mejora genética y defensa a estreses” Ref. RTI2018-096591-B-I00 of the Spanish Government, which was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)., Peer reviewed

12 páginas, 3 tablas, 6 figuras, Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) is a cruciferous vegetable widely cultivated for its leaves and fower buds in Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean area, being a food of great interest as a "superfood" today. Little has been studied about the diversity of endophytic fungi in the Brassica genus, and there are no studies regarding kale. In this study, we made a survey of the diversity of endophytic fungi present in the roots of six diferent Galician kale local populations. In addition, we investigated whether the presence of endophytes in the roots was benefcial to the plants in terms of growth, cold tolerance, or resistance to bacteria and insects. The fungal isolates obtained belonged to 33 diferent taxa. Among those, a Fusarium sp. and Pleosporales sp. A between Setophoma and Edenia (called as Setophoma/Edenia) were present in many plants of all fve local populations, being possible components of a core kale microbiome. For the frst time, several interactions between endophytic fungus and Brassica plants are described and is proved how diferent interactions are benefcial for the plant. Fusarium sp. and Pleosporales sp. B close to Pyrenophora (called as Pyrenophora) promoted plant growth and increased cold tolerance. On the other hand, isolates of Trichoderma sp., Pleosporales sp. C close to Phialocephala (called as Phialocephala), Fusarium sp., Curvularia sp., Setophoma/Edenia and Acrocalymma sp. were able to activate plant systemic resistance against the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. We also observed that Fusarium sp., Curvularia sp. and Setophoma/Edenia confered resistance against Mamestra brassicae larvae., Tis research was financially supported by project RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). JP has a contract from the Xunta de Galicia IN607A2016/13. Authors want to thank Dr. Rieta Gols (Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Te Netherlands) for providing us with Mamestra eggs and for the unvaluable inputs in this manuscript., Peer reviewed

© 2020 by the authors., The Brassica genus includes one of the 10 most agronomically and economically important plant groups in the world. Within this group, we can find examples such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, turnip or rapeseed. Their cultivation and postharvest are continually threatened by significant stresses of biotic origin, such as pathogens and pests. In recent years, numerous research groups around the world have developed transgenic lines within the Brassica genus that are capable of defending themselves effectively against these enemies. The present work compiles all the existing studies to date on this matter, focusing in a special way on those of greater relevance in recent years, the choice of the gene of interest and the mechanisms involved in improving plant defenses. Some of the main transgenic lines developed include coding genes for chitinases, glucanases or cry proteins, which show effective results against pathogens such as Alternaria brassicae, Leptosphaeria maculans or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, or pests such as Lipaphis erysimi or Plutella xylostella., This research was financially supported by project RTI2018-096591-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). J.P.
has a contract from the Xunta de Galicia IN607A2016/13., Peer reviewed

Leaf samples from five Brassicaceae species (Brassica carinata, Brassica oleracea, Brassica rapa, Eruca vesicaria and Sinapis alba) were analyzed to determine their contents of glucosinolates and trace elements, and the bioaccessibility of these compounds.

Considerable variability in the total contents and glucosinolate profiles was observed in the Brassicaceae species, with the total amounts ranging from 8.5 µmol/g dw in Brassica oleracea to 32.9 µmol/g dw in Sinapis alba. Bioaccessibilities of the predominant glucosinolates were moderate, ranging from 13.1% for glucoraphanin to 43.2% for gluconapin, which is particularly relevant as they have been implicated in a variety of anti-carcinogenic mechanisms.

Trace element concentrations were: Se (28–160 µg/Kg dw); Cr (0.31–4.03 µg/g dw); Ni (0.19–1.53 µg/g dw); Fe (8.6–18.8 µg/g dw); Zn (20.8–41.5 µg/g dw); Ca (6.2–15.2 mg/g dw). Brassicaceae leaves were also moderate dietary sources of Se, Ni, Zn and Ca., This research was funded by the Project “Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae. Implicaciones en la mejora genética y defensa a estreses” Ref. RTI2018-096591-B-I00 (AEI/FEDER, UE), and AGL2015-66256-C2-1-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE).

Brassica rapa is grown in northwestern Spain to obtain turnip greens. The tops of the same plants (flower stems with buds) are cut and sell as turnip tops, increasing the value of the crop. This practice could be extended to other brassicas. The objectives of this work are to study the phytochemical potential of tops of coles (Brassica oleracea) and leaf rape (Brassica napus) compared to turnip tops and to compare tops of different coles (cabbage, kale, tronchuda cabbage), which differ in their morphology and use. We evaluated the content of glucosinolates and phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in leaves and tops of the three species. We found that tops had higher amount of glucosinolates than leaves. Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity followed the opposite trend. Therefore, consumption of leaves and tops are complementary, since both type of organs are enriched with different types of compound. Local varieties of kale, curly kale, cabbage and curly leave cabbage are interesting because of their GSLs and phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in both leaves and tops. From the human health perspective, tops of coles and leaf rape are interesting as new crops to include in the diet., This research was funded by project RTI2018-096591-B-I00, through the Spanish Ministry of Science Innovation, and Universities and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by project Contrato Programa from the “Axencia Galega de Innovación” (Xunta de Galicia, Spain)., Peer reviewed

Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa (turnip greens), a traditionally consumed vegetable, is well-known due to its high content of glucosinolates, which are secondary metabolites with a positive biological activity for human health. Our hypothesis has been based on the relation between B. rapa glucosinolate content and its healthy properties, and our aim is to establish guidelines for safe B. rapa vegetable consumption. Three B. rapa cultivars (143N5, 143N7 and 163N7) have been characterized by HPLC analysis of purified extracts from leaf samples in order to determine their glucosinolate content and to relate this content to beneficial effects on DNA protection, lifespan extension and chemoprevention. In order to ascertain the heath properties in vitro and in vivo, toxicity activities were assayed in the Drosophila melanogaster and leukaemia cell models; genomic safety was also assessed in both models using genotoxicity, fragmentation and comet assay. The Drosophila model has also been used to study the antioxidative activity and the longevity induction. Our results showed a relationship between B. rapa glucosinolate content and its safety and benefices in its consumption. Gluconapin, the main B. rapa glucosinolate, was directly related with these wholesome effects. The relevant conclusion in the present research is focused on B. rapa cultivar 163N7 due to its high gluconapin content and low progoitrin content, which exert anti-cancer and DNA protection properties and could be recommended as being safe and healthy for human consumption., This research was funded by the Project “Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae. Implicaciones en la mejora genética y defensa a estreses” Ref. RTI2018-096591-B-I00 of the Spanish Government, which was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Brassica rapa includes oil and vegetable crops having a variety of forms, such as oilseeds, leafy vegetables and turnips. Leafy types, which are called turnip greens and turnip tops, are popular crops in NW Spain, and they represent an important part of the diet. However, their cultivation is limited in southern areas or in the Mediterranean basin, probably due to a lack of adaptation. Still, they could occupy a prominent place in the Mediterranean diet, which is based on a high consumption of fruits and vegetables. In this review, we summarize the studies on the agronomical and nutritional value of these crops when grown under Mediterranean climate conditions. Data reported here might be useful for a deeper understanding of these crops for both nutritional quality and bioaccessibility, and for selecting varieties adapted to the two abovementioned Mediterranean conditions, as well as for organic farming systems, thus contributing to the diversification of traditional Brassica vegetable production systems., This research was financially supported by project RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). We acknowledge support of the publication fee by the CSIC Open Access Publication Support Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI)-CSIC.

Understanding plant’s response mechanisms against pathogenesis is fundamental for the development of resistant crop varieties and more productive agriculture. In this regard, “omic” approaches are heralded as valuable technologies. In this work, combining isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology with mass spectrometry, the proteomes from leaves of Brassica oleracea plants infected with Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), and control plants at two different post-infection times were compared. Stronger proteomic changes were obtained at 12 days post-infection in comparison with 3 days. The responses observed involved different cell processes, from primary metabolism, such as photosynthesis or photorespiration, to other complex processes such as redox homeostasis, hormone signaling, or defense mechanisms. Most of the proteins decreased in the earlier response were involved in energetic metabolism, whereas later response was characterized by a recovery of primary metabolism. Furthermore, our results indicated that proteolysis machinery and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis could be key processes during this plant–pathogen interaction. Current data provide new insights into molecular mechanisms that may be involved in defense responses of B. oleracea to Xcc., This research was supported by projects AGL2015-66256-C2-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE) and RTI2018-096591-B-I00(MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE).

Endophytic fungi of crops can promote plant growth through various mechanisms of action (i.e., improve nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency, and produce and modulate plant hormones). The genus Brassica includes important horticultural crops, which have been little studied in their interaction with endophytic fungi. Previously, four endophytic fungi were isolated from kale roots (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), with different benefits for their host, including plant growth promotion, cold tolerance, and induction of resistance to pathogens (Xanthomonas campestris) and pests (Mamestra brassicae). In the present work, the molecular and morphological identification of the four different isolates were carried out, describing them as the species Acrocalymma vagum, Setophoma terrestris, Fusarium oxysporum, and the new species Pyrenophora gallaeciana. In addition, using a representative crop of each Brassica U's triangle species and various in vitro biochemical tests, the ability of these fungi to promote plant growth was described. In this sense, the four fungi used promoted the growth of B. rapa, B. napus, B. nigra, B. juncea, and B. carinata, possibly due to the production of auxins, siderophores, P solubilization or cellulase, xylanase or amylase activity. Finally, the differences in root colonization between the four endophytic fungi and two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and the root glucosinolate profile were studied, at different times. In this way, how the presence of progoitrin in the roots reduces their colonization by endophytic and pathogenic fungi was determined, while the possible hydrolysis of sinigrin to fungicidal products controls the colonization of endophytic fungi, but not of pathogens., This research was financially supported by projects RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and IN607A 2021/03 (Xunta de Galicia, Spain)., Peer reviewed

Trichoderma is a genus of filamentous fungi widely studied and used as a biological control agent in agriculture. However, its ability to form fungal networks for inter-plant communication by means of the so-called inter-plant "wired communication" has not yet been addressed. In our study we used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the fungus Trichoderma hamatum (isolated from Brassicaceae plants) and the pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Xanthomonas campestris (necrotrophic fungus and hemibiotrophic bacteria, respectively). We performed different combinations of isolated/neighboring plants and root colonization/non-colonization by T. hamatum, as well as foliar infections with the pathogens. In this way, we were able to determine how, in the absence of T. hamatum, there is an inter-plant communication that induces systemic resistance in neighboring plants of plants infected by the pathogens. On the other hand, the plants colonized by T. hamatum roots show a greater systemic resistance against the pathogens. Regarding the role of T. hamatum as an inter-plant communicator, it is the result of an increase in foliar signaling by jasmonic acid (increased expression of LOX1 and VSP2 genes and decreased expression of ICS1 and PR-1 genes), antagonistically increasing root signaling by salicylic acid (increased expression of ICS1 and PR-1 genes and decreased expression of LOX1 and VSP2). This situation prevents root colonization by T. hamatum of the foliarly infected plant and leads to massive colonization of the neighboring plant, where jasmonic acid-mediated systemic defenses are induced., This research was financially supported by projects RTI2018-096591-B-I00 34 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and IN607A 2021/03 (Xunta de Galicia, Spain). Open Access funding provided by University of Valladolid., Peer reviewed

© 2022 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)., This paper reviewed the effects of insect pollination on the yield parameters of plants from the family Brassicaceae presenting different breeding systems. Meta-analysis indicates that in both self-compatible and self-incompatible crop species, meta-analysis indicates that seed yield (Y), silique set (SQS), number of siliquae/plant (NSQ), and the number of seeds/silique (NSSQ) increase when plants are insect-pollinated compared to when there is no insect pollination. The weight of seeds (WS), however, increased in self-incompatible species but not in self-compatible ones as a result of insect pollination. Overall, the percentage of studies showing a positive effect of insect pollination on yield parameters was higher in self-incompatible than in self-compatible species. It was shown that the ability of self-compatible species to reproduce does not fully compensate for the loss of yield benefits in the absence of insect pollination. Cultivated Brassicaceae attract a wide variety of pollinators, with honeybees (Apis spp.) such as A. mellifera L., A. cerana F., A. dorsata F., and A. florea F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae); other Apidae, such as bumblebees (Bombus spp.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae); mining bees (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae); sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae); and hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) constituting the most common ones. The benefits of insect pollination imply that pollinator conservation programs play a key role in maximizing yield in cruciferous crops., Fees for the publication of this review were paid by funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, grant RTI2018-096591-B-I00., Peer reviewed

14 páginas, 4 tablas, 5 figuras, Plant enemies can indirectly affect pollinators by modifying plant traits, but simultaneous tests of herbivore and pathogen effects are lacking, and the role of floral volatiles has seldom been assessed. In this study, we tested for indirect effects of insect herbivores and pathogens on pollinator attraction via altered floral volatile emissions, and its consequences for plant fitness in Brassica rapa. Plants in the field were exposed to either no damage or damage by caterpillars (Mamestra brassicae), aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae), a leaf fungus (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), or a bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris). We then recorded pollinator visits and measured floral traits (flower number, volatiles) and plant fitness-correlates. We additionally performed a greenhouse experiment with artificial floral emitters to test for effects of target volatiles on pollinator attraction. In the field experiments, relative to controls, plants subjected to herbivory by the aphid B. brassicae (but not those exposed to the other enemies) exhibited a marked reduction in the emission of two volatile organic compounds (nonanal and 2-butyl-1-octanol), experienced lower pollinator visits and produced seeds of lower quality in terms of seed biomass and germination rate, while flower output itself was not affected. Consistently, artificial emitters with reduced amounts of these volatile organic compounds were less attractive to pollinators under greenhouse conditions. Synthesis. These results provide strong evidence for volatile-mediated indirect interactions between plant enemies and pollinators ultimately impacting plant fitness, and further point at enemy and compound specificity in such effects., This research was financially supported by two grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (RTI2018-096591-BI00 to EC and RTI2018-099322-B-I00 to XM) and a grant from the Regional Government of Galicia (IN607A 2021/03) to XM, PS, CVG and EC. We acknowledge support of the publication fee by the CSIC Open Access Publication Support Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI)., Peer reviewed

Background: Glucosinolates (GSLs) constitute a characteristic group of secondary metabolites present in the Brassica genus. These compounds confer resistance to pests and diseases. Moreover, they show allelopathic and anticarcinogenic effects. All those effects are dependent on the chemical structure of the GSL. The modification of the content of specific GSLs would allow obtaining varieties with enhanced resistance and/or improved health benefits. Moreover, the attainment of varieties with the same genetic background but with divergent GSLs concentration will prompt the undertaking of studies on their biological effects. Objective and Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two divergent mass selection programs to modify GSL content in the leaves of two Brassica species: nabicol (Brassica napus L.), selected by glucobrassicanapin (GBN), and nabiza (Brassica rapa L.), selected by gluconapin (GNA) through several selection cycles using cromatographic analysis. Results: The response to selection fitted a linear regression model with no signs of variability depletion for GSL modification in either direction, but with higher efficiency in reducing the selected GSL than in the increasing. The selection was also effective in other parts of the plant, suggesting that there is a GSL translocation in the plant or a modification in their synthesis pathway that is not-organ specific. There was an indirect response of selection in other GSL; thus this information should be considered when designing breeding programs. Finally, populations obtained by selection have the same agronomic performance or even better than the original population. Conclusion: Therefore, mass selection seems to be a good method to modify the content of specific GSL in Brassica crops., This research was financed by the projects RTI2018-096591-B-I00 and PID2021-126472OB-I0 from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain.