Realizing the potential of rapid-cycling Brassica as a model system for use in plant biology research

Rapid-cycling Brassica populations were initially developed as a model for probing the genetic basis of plant disease. Paul Williams and co-workers se lected accessions of the six main species for short time to flower and rapi d seed maturation. Over multiple generations of breeding and selection, rap id-cycling populations of each of the six species were developed. Because o f their close relationship with economically important Brassica species, ra pid-cycling Brassica populations, especially those of B. rapa (RCBr) and B. oleracea, have seen wide application in plant and crop physiology investig ations. Adding to the popularity of these small, short-lived plants for res earch applications is their extensive use in K-12 education and outreach.