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Brassica

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Brassica

Brassica
Genus:Brassica
Family:Brassicaceae
Type:Annual, Biennial, Subshrub
Soil requirements:Neutral to alkaline
Pest issues:Numerous
Disease issues:Numerous
Sowing methods:In flats or in situ
Pollination:Insects

Brassica is the type genus of the mustard family, Brassicaceae. The members of the genus may be collectively known either as cabbages, or as mustards.

This genus is remarkable for containing more important agricultural and horticultural crops than any other genus. It also includes a number of weeds, including both wild taxa and escapees from cultivation. It includes over 30 wild species and hybrids, and numerous additional cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most are annuals or biennials, but some are small shrubs.

The genus is native in the wild in western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia. In addition to the cultivated species, which are grown worldwide, many of the wild species grow as invasive or naturalised weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia.

Almost all parts of some species or other have been developed for food, including the root (Rutabaga, Turnip), stems (kohlrabi), leaves (Cabbage, brussels sprouts), flowers (cauliflower, broccoli), and seeds (many, including mustard seed, oilseed rape). Some forms with white or purple foliage or flowerheads, are also sometimes grown for ornament.

Brassica species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species - see w:List of Lepidoptera which feed on Brassicas.

Species

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There is some disagreement among botanists on the classification and status of Brassica species and subspecies. The following is an abbreviated list, with an emphasis on economically important species.

Deprecated species names

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Pests and diseases

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Bacteria:

Fungi:

Phytoplasma:

Nematodes:

Nutrient Deficiencies:

Aphids

Whiteflies

Bugs

Thrips

Maggots

Beetles

Weevils

Caterpillars

Slugs and Snails

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Brassica

  • Britton, Nathaniel Lord (1913). An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Volume 2 (second edition ed.). Dover Publications, inc. pp. 192–194. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Ann Fowler Rhoads and Timothy A. Block (2000). The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. Anna Anisko, illustrator. Morris Arboretum, University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 279–280.
  • P. D. Strausbaugh and Earl L. Core (1977). Flora of West Virginia (Second ed.). Seneca Books, Grantsville, W. Virginia. pp. 426–428.
  • Christopher Brickell and Judith D. Zuk (1997). The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. DK Publishing. pp. 178–179.
  • Staff of the L. H. Bailey Hortorium (1976). Hortus Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States and Canada. Cornell University Press. pp. 178–179.
  • Cranshaw, Whitney (2004). Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs. Princeton University Press. pp. 583–584.
  • Pippa Greenwood, Andrew Halstead, A.R. Chase, Daniel Gilrein (2000). American Horticultural Society Pests & Diseases: The Complete Guide to Preventing, Identifying, and Treating Plant Problems (First Edition ed.). Dorling Kindersley (DK) Publishing, inc. pp. 202–203. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Caterpillar Hostplants Database
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