Brassica campestris L. (Rape) Transformation

Yes. Brassica campestris L. is currently treated as a synonym of Brassica rapa L. by authoritative taxonomic databases such as Kew's Plants of the World Online, which lists B. rapa as the accepted name. The two names have been used interchangeably in historical and regional literature, particularly for turnip rape and field mustard. Because researchers and breeders may search using either term, Lifeasible maintains both names in its service documentation to ensure comprehensive discoverability while adhering to modern nomenclatural standards.

Brassica rapa is a diploid species (AA genome, 2n=20), whereas B. napus is an allotetraploid (AACC genome, 2n=38). The diploid nature of B. rapa simplifies genetic analysis because a single frameshift mutation often yields a clear loss-of-function phenotype without the complication of homoeologous gene copies. This makes B. rapa particularly attractive for functional genomics, validation of gene function, and initial trait discovery before translation into polyploid crop varieties.

We routinely work with oilseed turnip rape, Chinese cabbage types, pak choi, and field mustard accessions. We also accept customer-supplied cultivars, although we strongly recommend a pilot feasibility study for non-model genotypes due to the well-documented genotype dependency of Brassica regeneration. This pilot evaluates callus induction rates, antibiotic sensitivity, and shoot organogenesis capacity before committing to full-scale production.

An independent event is defined as a positive T0 plantlet originating from a distinct, physically separated explant or callus clump, rather than multiple shoots arising from the same transformed cell cluster. We document the spatial origin of every explant during selection. Upon request, we perform junction-sequence sequencing or Southern blot analysis to confirm that each delivered plant carries a unique T-DNA insertion pattern, ensuring genuine biological replicates.

Standard transformation involves the stable integration of a foreign DNA construct into the B. rapa genome, resulting in transgenic plants that inherit the exogenous cassette and its selection marker. Our CRISPR knockout service, by contrast, is designed to generate targeted mutations—typically small insertions or deletions—at specific endogenous loci. The latter package emphasizes molecular characterization of the edited allele, zygosity determination, and can be coupled with transgene-free segregation strategies to remove the Cas9 cassette in subsequent generations.

Yes. We offer comprehensive generation advancement as an optional upgrade. For CRISPR projects, we cultivate T0 plantlets to floral maturity, perform controlled self-pollination, and harvest T1 seeds. Segregation analysis in the T1 generation allows identification of plants that have lost the T-DNA cassette while retaining the desired mutation, effectively producing transgene-free edited lines. We can further advance promising individuals to the T2 generation to achieve homozygosity.

Despite being diploid, B. rapa retains many paralogs from ancestral genome triplication. To address functional redundancy, we design multiplex sgRNA cassettes that simultaneously target two or more homologous genes. Combined with high-throughput genotyping, this approach enables isolation of double or triple mutants, revealing phenotypes that would remain hidden in single-gene knockouts.

From vector receipt to T0 plantlet delivery, the timeline is typically 4–6 months. Advancing to T1 seed harvest and segregation analysis adds an additional 6–10 months. Total duration depends heavily on genotype, explant regeneration speed, and the complexity of the editing strategy. We provide transparent, genotype-specific timeline estimates during project consultation.