¹ National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China

National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement has leaded the research work on mapping and marker-assisted selection in Brassica genomes in China. We use molecular markers and comparative mapping methods to map a range of important agronomical genes in Brassica genomes and to assistant rapeseed breeding and selection. The reports will be given in the following ways. 1. Mapped genes: (1) boron using efficient gene, BE1 , was mapped on the 9th linkage group, which explained 64.0% of the phenotypic variance. Five minor loci on three linkage groups were also detected explaining 12.8%, 7.0%, 39.2%, 32.5% and 36.9% of the phenotypic variance respectively. (2) Phosphorous efficiency gene (s) mapping is underway. (3) Several QTLs were detected response for Sclerotinia stem resistance in different organs at different developmental stages. (4) QTLs for the content of glucosinolate components and some of them were identified to be linked with QTL of Sclerotinia resistance. (5) The polima CMS restore gene. 2. Marker assistant breeding. (1) A new restore line with Sclerotinia resistant character was developed after SCAR markers and DNA finger printings being used for identifying the offspring of BC2F1 population. (2) Genomic heterosis has been explored towards a new form of B. napus with AA genome from B. rapa and CC genome from B. carinata by interspecific hybridization involving B. campestris , B. carinata and B. napus , and by marker assistant selection. (3) STS markers are used to screen the M/A recombinants with promoter of gdcsP of Moricandia nitens from a segregated population involving somatic hybrids of M. nitens + B. oleracea , B. napus and B. rapa . Mapping and marker-assisted selection in Brassica genomes would be strengthen in the coming years. A European Union-China cooperative project based on establishment of an integrated marker system for oilseed rape breeding was started in autumn 2001. An SNP marker system and genetic map will be established using a mapping population derived from a cross between representative European and Chinese varieties. A range of quantitative traits will be analyzed. Another great event is that the researches on marker assistant breeding and functional genomics in rapeseed are highlighted in China's 863 High Technology Development Program (2001-2005). Several strong research groups are hopeful to be well founded on those promising research areas.