Agronomic and horticultural characters of rutabaga in eastern Canada

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Plant Science
• Main Author: Spaner, D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2002
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/p01-086; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.4141/P01-086

Rutabaga (Brassica napus ssp. rapifera) is one of the most important field-grown vegetable crops in eastern Canada. The objective here was to report on the agronomic and horticultural potential of available genotypes in this region. Results from a 3-yr trial of 16 genotypes indicated a wide range of variation for all traits. Three Canadian and two European genotypes were ranked highest, employing a composite index of several traits, including clubroot tolerance. Clubroot tolerance is a major determinant of overall phenotype in eastern Canada, and future breeding programs should consider the importance of this trait. Key words: Swede, Newfoundland, Brassica napus ssp. rapifera (Metzg.) Sinsk, clubroot, Plasmodiophora brassicae