SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS OF THE GENUS BRASSICA

Abstract

The genus Brassica with its numerous cultivated strains and weed varieties presents a difficult problem to the seed analyst. A solution is attempted in this paper. Peculiarities of seed color, shape, and histology have been used wherever possible as diagnostic characters. In cases where these were found to require verification the characters of the young seedlings were used to supplement them. It has been found possible to distinguish the seeds or seedlings of plants so closely related as to be separated in adult form only by differences in the depth of the yellow color in their roots and blossoms. Care has been taken to test the material for authenticity and to make sure that the seed and seedling characters chosen are closely linked in heredity with distinguishing characters of the species and varieties. A key for the identification of seeds of known varieties of Brassica has been evolved.