1: Genetic Improvement of Vegetables
1.1 Genetic Disease-Resistance Breeding
We have searched for and introduced disease-resistance techniques, basically in the melon, pepper and borage species.
1.2 Quality Breeding
The factors that affect the quality of the pepper, asparagus, onion and melon species have been studied. In the case of peppers, work is being carried out on the factors that affect the production and control of the compounds that are responsible for pungency, namely capsaicinoids
1.3 Selection
Mass selections have been made in species on which less improvement work has been carried out, with the aim of solving occasional problems (borage, Swiss chard, artichokes, onions, etc.)
1.4 Applications of Chemical and Molecular Biology Techniques for Genetic Improvement of Vegetables
Development and application of molecular markers associated to resistance genes in peppers and melon, and to quality characters in peppers. Identification of QTL’s linked to quality characters in melons.
Development and validation of liquid chromatography techniques coupled to mass spectrometry for the determination and quantification of capsaicinoids in peppers.
Gene expression analysis and search for new DNA sequences involved in the biosynthesis of capsaicinoids in peppers.
Molecular characterisation of plant material such as melon, pepper and onion.
Genetic improvement was the basis of the substantial increases in agricultural productivity achieved throughout the 20th century. In the 21st century, efforts will focus basically on the study and improvement of the factors that influence product quality; for this purpose the powerful tools that biotechnology places in the hands of the breeders will be used. The Unit is well placed in terms of this outlook, as we have been working on quality factors and the application of biotechnology to the study of the processes that influence these factors for years.
2. Germplasm Bank
2.1 Collection of Plant Material and Primary Characterisation
Approximately 15,000 entries pertaining to different vegetable species have been collected. At the same time, we have been taking primary characterisation data (species, designation, place of collection, etc.)
2.2 Multiplication of the Material Collected
The adquired material is usually collected in very small amounts; for this reason it is necessary to multiply it to achieve seed quantities ranging between 250g and 500 g. This multiplication takes place in conditions that guarantee the purity of the entry, while at the same time maintaining the variability.
2.3 Secondary Characterisation of the Material Collected
In addition to primary characterisation, there are other important data such as the precocity, shape and colour of the fruit or resistance to disease, which constitute the secondary characterisation. This characterisation is usually carried out at the same time as multiplication, although there are cases, such as some resistances, in which specific tests are organised.
2. 4 Conservation of the Plant Material
When it has been multiplied, the material is prepared until its humidity content is no greater than 3%. It is placed in hermetically sealed glass phials and stored in cooling chambers at a temperature of - 20 C.
2. 5 Preparation of the Material Conserved
For this conserved material to be of use, it must be known. With this aim, catalogues of the material conserved in the germplasm bank have begun to be published, in which the characteristics on the material are specified. So far catalogues on pepper, tomato, and onion have been published.
The almost exclusive use of hybrid cultivars in the horticultural species, the search for greater uniformities, higher production rates and resistance to disease give rise to a loss of variability and of adaptation to local conditions. The germplasm bank’s aim to conserve the existing diversity by making it available to improvers and other interested parties. In this context, it should be mentioned that the Horticultural Species Germplasm Bank of the Plant Production Technology Unit is one of the most important and complete banks of its kind in Spain.
.3.- Vegetable Cultivation Techniques
3.1 Introduction of new varieties
The introduction into Aragon of varieties of artichoke multiplied by seed, of “Piquillo” peppers of different colours, or of pepper for paprika has been studied.
3.2 Direct Sowing Technique
Herbicide applications, in combination with plastic tunnel for paprika peppers in Aragon have been studied.
3.3 Collection Techniques
A pepper-picking machine suited to the conditions in Aragon has been prepared.
3. 4 Erosion Control Techniques
The adaptation of asparagus as erosion-preventing plant cover has been confirmed.
For historical reasons, the Plant Production Technology Unit is basically comprised of breeders; however, as far as possible, the study and improvement of cultivation techniques has not been neglected; such techniques evolve rapidly in such a dynamic aerea as the vegetable sector.
4.- Agroenergetic Crops
4.1 Bioenergetic Crops
Work focusing on the cardoon crop (Cynara cardunculus L.) has been carried out with a view to the production of biomass for energy purposes. Tests were set up in various areas of Aragon to carry out environmental adaptation studies on the crop in terms of its adaptation to the winter cold and of its rusticity and resistance to drought.
4.2 Selection and improvement of Cynara cardunculus L. Cultivars for Biomass Production
Studies on various cultivars of market-garden cardoon from the CITA Vegetable Species Germplasm Bank have been performed in order to determine their potential as biomass producers. As a result a variety that is well adapted to the area and that stands out for its high production rate was selected. Improvement work on this variety is currently under way.
Agroenergy is an option for the future in the face of the depletion of fossil fuels, in addition to the environmental problems they cause. The possibilities of fulfilling the Kyoto agreements to which Spain is committed inevitably involve the development of alternative, sustainable and environment-friendly energies, among which the development of the production of biomass and biofuels is bound to play a fundamental role.
5.- Technical of crop in vitro
5.1 Conservation of plant material
In vitro conservation of genotypes of interest from the agronomic or genetic viewpoint, which cannot be multiplied by seed. A collection of 85 asparagus genotypes is conserved.
5.2 Micropropagation
In situ application of the cloning technique starting from lateral branch asparagus tips
Utility: Multiplication of parentals of special hybrids and genotypes.
5.3 Achieving Variability
Development of in vitro variability achievement by means of direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis
Practical use of anther culture (androgenesis) of asparagus in genetic improvement programmes. Obtaining of haploid segregants and homozygotic double haploids in this dioeceous species. Obtaining of supermales.
Cell cultures are a powerful tool that can be applied to genetic improvement, genetic studies, propagation, or sanitation of material. In the Plant Production Technology Unit the in vitro culture technique has been applied to asparagus improvement for some time, but the technique is expected to be applied to other species in the future.
.6.-Varietal Characterisation
6.1 Variability Studies by means of Molecular Markers, of Melon and Onion Entries
DNA markers are a powerful instrument for detecting the variability that exists within a species; in this context, characterization using these markers has been started on these two species.
6.2 Morphological Characterization of Melon Accessions with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis
Melon accessions with resistance to vascular fusariosis were characterised morphologically and molecularly (microsatellites) with the aim of determining which ones were most similar to Spanish melons and therefore most suitable as sources of resistance.
6.3 Use of Isoenzymatic Markers in the Characterisation of a Selection of Asparagus Material.
Isoenzymatic markers have been developed for asparagus in the Unit and have been used for:
1 Determination of haploid and dihaploid material from anther culture
2 Characterisation of hybrid parentals
3 Protection of the plant material obtained
4 Control of the genetic purity of commercial hybrids.