Cabbage breeding tools for biotic and abiotic resistance

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop grown globally for its nutritional value and economic importance. However, cabbage production faces significant challenges from various biotic and abiotic stresses, including pests, diseases, and environmental factors such as drought, heat, and salinity. Developing cabbage cultivars with improved resistance to these stresses is crucial for sustainable and productive agriculture. This review article examines the latest breeding tools and approaches used to enhance biotic and abiotic stress resistance in cabbage. It explores traditional breeding methods, marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering, genome editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, and emerging technologies such as genomic selection and speed breeding. Furthermore, the article discusses the integration of -omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to accelerate the development of stress-resistant cabbage cultivars. The study also highlights the importance of incorporating farmer preferences and participatory breeding strategies to ensure the adoption and success of these improved cabbage cultivars.