Risk assessments conducted by the PBRA Unit require biological information about the plant species being assessed. Therefore, these assessments can be done in conjunction with species-specific biology documents that provide the necessary biological information. This document is intended to provide background information on the biology of Brassica carinata , its identity, geographical distribution, reproductive biology, related species, the potential for gene introgression from B.
Synonym for Brassica carinata is Brassica integrifolia H. West Thellung var. Braun O. In the peer-reviewed literature, B. The genus Brassica is a member of the tribe Brassiceae, within the mustard family Brassicaceae; Warwick et al. It includes several economically important oilseed crop species: B. Koch black mustard , and B. The genus Brassica also includes food crops in B. It is thought to be derived from interspecific hybridization of two diploid species. The Triangle of U U describes the close genetic relationship between amphidiploid species B.
Mustard Species: Brassica carinata A. Brassica carinata is a herbaceous annual with a determinate growth habit Zanetti et al. Plants have an erect bearing, averaging 1. Plants are highly branched, with a well-developed tap root and extensive rooting system Barro and Martin Seeds are globose, 1β1.
They vary from yellow to yellow-brown to brown in colour Getinet ; Rahman and Tahir Seeds germinate epigeally, with two 2β3 cm heart-shaped cotyledons Seegeler ; Mnzava and Schippers Stems are up to 2 cm in diameter, glabrous and usually waxy Seegeler Leaves are alternate, glabrous to slightly hairy and often waxy. Lower leaf-blades are large up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide and ovate to oblong with 1β3 deep lobes Seegeler Lower leaves are green above and paler or grayish beneath, with veins that may be purple or light-green.
Leaves that are higher on the plant are gradually smaller, narrower, less coloured, less waxy, and have fewer lobes. Leaves have a short petiole Mnzava and Schippers and trichomes are simple Al-Shehbaz Inflorescenses are highly branched, loose, compound racemes Seegeler , with flowers that are actinomorphic and perfect Mnzava and Schnippers Pedicels are cylindrical and short 5β6 mm long Seegeler There are four light green sepals 4β7 mm long , alternating with four cream to yellow petals 6β10 mm long.
