In search of Brassica germplasm in saline semi-arid and arid regions of India and Pakistan for reclamation of selenium-laden soils in the U.S.

High concentrations of selenium (Se) found in some saline soils may be detrimental to sustainable agriculture in parts of the western U.S. Remediation strategy with Brassica species may be practical to reduce soil concentrations of Se to non-toxic levels. Collecting germplasm native to or growing in semi-arid and arid saline regions like Pakistan and India, may provide California and Western U.S. growers with additional plant materials to evaluate Se removal by plant uptake in saline/Se contaminated soils.