ISHS Acta Horticulturae 459: International Symposium Brassica 97, Xth Crucifer Genetics Workshop
AN INTRODUCTION TO VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION AND PLANT BREEDING IN BRITTANY |
| Authors: | Y. Hervé, T. Lunn, S. Mabeau |
| Keywords: | Cauliflower, plant breeding, economic development, biotechnology |
| Abstract:
With 25% of national output, Brittany is the leading region for vegetable crop production in France and one of the most important within Europe. Major regional crops include cauliflower, artichoke, shallots and broccoli (80% of national production for these four). Field cropping of vegetables occupies some 70 000 hectares, largely in the north coastal area where good soils and a favourable maritime climate allow year-round production. The improvement of land and sea links to and from the region has greatly aided economic development and facilitated exports, particularly towards northern Europe. More than 50% of the areas Brassica crops (some 40 000 hectares for autumn and winter cauliflower and broccoli combined) are exported. Average farm size for vegetable production is small, around 20 hectares, but grower organisations are well organised and efficient. Financial support by the industry for scientific and technical work has focused largely on the genetic improvement of cauliflower, the regions major vegetable crop. Strong links have been forged with the INRA (Institut National de Recherche Agronomique) and a veritable network of research and development organisations has grown up. The joint effort between these partners resulted in 1980 in the creation of the worlds first F1 hybrids of winter cauliflower. 15 hybrids for production from November to March are currently offered to growers. More recently (1993), a breeding programme for broccoli has been started with a view to producing F1 hybrids adapted to local conditions and thereby contributing to the development of this crop -a potential substitute for cauliflower- within the region. | |
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