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This paper, published in Nature Communications on 11 November 2016, highlights our involvement in the multinational Brassica community and illustrates how we are at the forefront of the application of novel molecular methods for improving crop breeding. Brassica oleracea remains one of the most important group of horticultural vegetables worldwide with significant economic value. It is also associated with major health benefits.

A unique study has taken a thoughtful approach to understand why parts of the horticulture industry do not take up some of the innovative ideas that emerge from universities and research institutes, as well as other areas of the industry. The study has been undertaken by PhD student Jonathan Menary from 91¸£Àû Crop Centre, part of the School of Life Sciences.

Dr Max Newbert and Dr John Walsh have prepared videos on the outcomes of their BBSRC Crop Improvement Research Club (CIRC) project on exploiting sources of plant virus resistance for deployment in oilseed rape. Dr Graham Teakle and Dr Guy Barker were project co-investigators and Dr Adam Baker was the PDRA. Sources of resistance were identified in oilseed rape and lines of the diploid progenitors of oilseed rape; QTLs associated with the three resistance sources have been mapped. All three resistances have been shown to be effective against viral isolates representing the different genetic groups of the virus. The diversity of the virus across Europe has been investigated with 179 whole genomes sequenced, detailed phylogenetic analyses performed, new weed hosts identified and a full-length infectious clone of the virus generated.