Studies of genetic characteristics of two heart-shaped glossy cabbage mutants

- The glossy wax-less trait of two heart-shaped glossy cabbage mutants is controlled by a single recessive gene.
- The mutant-type plants have a higher sulforaphane content than wild-type plants.
- Some genes that are involved in wax biosynthesis and export pathways are down-regulated in mutant-type plants.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var. capitata), an important crop of the Brassicaceae family, is a highly valued source of anti-cancer compounds, vitamin C and high-quality protein. Glossiness of the leaf surface is an important character that has an important influence on the quality of commercial products. In this study, two heart-shaped glossy cabbage mutants were examined to determine their characteristics and potential practical applications. Firstly, mutant-type (MT) plants showed a shiny and attractive appearance, and the total wax load in MT leaves was significantly less than that of wild-type (WT) leaves, when assessed by scanning electron micrographs. Then, the results of χ2 tests on the separated proportion proved that the glossy wax-less trait is controlled by a single recessive gene. Unexpectedly, the sulforaphane content, which has been identified as a naturally potent anticarcinogen, showed an increasing trend in MT plants than the corresponding WT plants. Lastly, our work also showed that some genes that are involved in wax biosynthesis and export pathways are down-regulated in MT leaves, which could cause the glossy phenotype of MT plants. These analyses will shed light on the benefits of incorporating the two mutants and other glossy mutants into future breeding programs to develop varieties with morphological markers linked to desirable traits.