Abstract
Several Brassica species are conserved in the Biological Resource Center BrACySol at Ploudaniel (https://www6.rennes.inrae.fr/igepp/L-IGEPP/Plateformes/BrACySol). For Brassica oleracea (CC, 2n=18) with different cultigroups (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprout, kale) and Brassica rapa (AA, 2n=20; turnip and forage), available biological resources are derived from landraces collected in small farms during the 1980s. However, both species are present in France as wild or feral populations and their conservation is essential to widen the available resources. Within the framework of the H2020 Prima BrasExplor project, which includes 11 partners from six countries, we are currently collecting 100 wild populations and landraces for each species over a large climatic gradient, ranging from the north of France to sub-Saharan regions of North Africa. This plant material offers a unique opportunity to (i) identify the genetic determinants of adaptation to climatic constraints, and (ii) promote local landraces. In this article, we present the methodology used, the sampling efforts in progress in France, and the research questions that will be investigated in the BrasExplor project. This study will open new avenues in plant breeding programs, especially for the creation of new varieties adapted to abiotic and biotic stresses in both B. oleracea and B. rapa, as well as in their derived allotetraploid species, oilseed rape (Brassica napus, AACC, 2n=38).