Selection Strategies for Functional Broccoli Breeding Lines Based on Glucosinolate Profile and Content

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are unique functional compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, there has been growing interest from consumers, and breeding companies are also making efforts to develop functional cultivars. This study aims to review methods for selecting functional broccoli breeding lines and improving functional compounds. To breed functional broccoli, it is not enough to select breeding lines based on GSL content alone. It is important to consider the isothiocyanates, which are the hydrolytic products with actual beneficial effects, when selecting lines. Additionally, since GSLs are greatly affected by environmental factors, it is necessary to verify the content variation through repeated cultivation after selecting the breeding lines. Lines that are sensitive to environmental factors may be problematic to use, so it is necessary to select and breed lines that are insensitive to environmental changes and have high GSL content. Lines selected and bred in this way can further increase their functional compounds depending on the cultivation, storage, and consumption methods. Therefore, to breed functional broccoli, it is necessary to select lines with high GSL content and low sensitivity to environmental factors. It is also believed that by systematically using a series of cultivation, storage, and consumption methods for further functional enhancement, functional broccoli can be provided to consumers.