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Reference · Crops

Brassicaceae

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Cabbage49 Braya5 Sea rocket3 Bornmuellera2 Brassica-Diplotaxis2 Bivonaea1 Bunias1 Calepina1 Camelina1 Shepherd's purse1
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Biscutella brevifolia Biscutella brevifolia Biscutella cichoriifolia Biscutella cichoriifolia Biscutella coronopifolia Biscutella coronopifolia Biscutella flexuosa Biscutella flexuosa Shrubby buckler mustard Biscutella frutescens Biscutella intermedia Biscutella intermedia Buckler mustard Biscutella laevigata Biscutella rotgesii Biscutella rotgesii Biscutella scaposa Biscutella scaposa Biscutella sempervirens Biscutella sempervirens Biscutella valentina Biscutella valentina Bivonaea Bivonaea 1 item Boreava Boreava Bornmuellera Bornmuellera 2 items Cabbage Brassica L. 49 items Brassica balearica Brassica balearica Barrelier's cabbage Brassica barrelieri Brassica bourgeaui Brassica bourgeaui Cretan cabbage Brassica cretica Elongated mustard Brassica elongata Mediterranean cabbage Brassica fruticulosa Gravina Cabbage Brassica gravinae Hilarion cabbage Brassica hilarionis Hoary mustard Brassica incana Island cabbage Brassica insularis Brassica macrocarpa Brassica macrocarpa Mountain cabbage Brassica montana Tatsoi Brassica narinosa Spinach mustard Brassica perviridis Brassica procumbens Brassica procumbens Brassica repanda Brassica repanda Rock cabbage Brassica rupestris Broccoli rabe Brassica ruvo Seven-headed cabbage Brassica septiceps Brassica souliei Brassica souliei Spiny cabbage Brassica spinescens Hairy cabbage Brassica villosa Brassica-Diplotaxis Brassica x Diplotaxis 2 items Braya Braya 5 items Bunias Bunias 1 item Warty Cabbage Bunias erucago Sea rocket Cakile 3 items Calepina Calepina 1 item Camelina Camelina 1 item False flax Camelina alyssum Camelina hispida Camelina hispida Lax-flowered false flax Camelina laxa False flax Camelina microcarpa Camelina parodii Camelina parodii Camelina rumelica Camelina rumelica Shepherd's purse Capsella 1 item Large-flowered shepherd's purse Capsella grandiflora Eastern shepherd's purse Capsella orientalis Red shepherd's purse Capsella rubella Bittercress Cardamine Bitter cress Cardamine acris Bittercress Cardamine amara Cardamine appendiculata Cardamine appendiculata Asarum-leaved bittercress Cardamine asarifolia Alpine bittercress Cardamine bellidifolia

Brassicaceae

The Brassicaceae family, historically known as Cruciferae, comprises a diverse group of essential agricultural crops. This family includes staples such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radish, rapeseed, and mustard. These plants are globally significant due to their nutritional value, industrial applications, and high economic yield in modern farming systems.

The origins of the Brassicaceae family are traced back to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, where they were domesticated thousands of years ago. Today, their range of cultivation extends to almost every climate zone, from temperate Northern Europe to arid regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Their wide adaptability has made them a cornerstone of global agriculture.

Botanically, these plants are identified by their four-petaled flowers arranged in a cross-like pattern, which serves as the primary diagnostic feature. They produce fruit in the form of a silique or silicle. Many species are biennial, developing a vegetative rosette in the first year and producing flowers and seeds in the second, although many modern cultivars are annuals bred for rapid harvest.

The cultivation requirements for Brassicaceae include fertile, well-draining soil with a near-neutral pH. They are notably sensitive to soil acidity, which can facilitate the spread of clubroot, a serious fungal disease. Consistent moisture and moderate temperatures are preferred, as high heat can negatively impact the quality and yield of leafy and cruciferous vegetable parts.

  • Cruciferous flea beetles as primary pests
  • Management of clubroot and downy mildew
  • High density of planting and rotation needs
  • Rich in antioxidants and glucosinolates

Economically, Brassicaceae plants serve various purposes: from fresh vegetable consumption to industrial oil production and green manure application. As cover crops, they are highly valued for their ability to suppress weeds and improve soil structure. Continuous research into disease-resistant varieties ensures that this family remains a pillar of food security and sustainable farming worldwide.