Broccoli plant having uniform size and high yield of small buds, and method for producing processed product thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a broccoli plant which is suitable for a broccoli processed product divided into small buds and enables the production of small buds with uniform size and high yield. A broccoli plant having a gene involved in the generation of small buds, which enables the generation of small buds having a uniform size and a high yield in a nuclear genome, facilitates the processing of small buds, and can provide a broccoli product divided into small buds and having a high commercial value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a broccoli plant that produces small florets of uniform size and high yield, and a method for producing a processed product of small florets from the aforementioned broccoli plant. Background Art

[0002] Brassicaceae plants are plant species originating from the Middle East and the Mediterranean coast. Among the Brassica plants, there are extremely important crops in agriculture. Among them, Brassica oleracea L. is an extremely important plant species, which includes Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata (cabbage), B. oleracea L. var. italica (broccoli), B. oleracea L. var. botrytis (cauliflower), B. oleracea L. var. gemmifera (Brussels sprouts), B. oleracea L. var. gongylodes (kohlrabi), B. oleracea L. var. acephala (ornamental kale), B. oleracea L. var. alboglabra (Chinese kale), etc.

[0003] Broccoli, a Brassica plant of the Brassicaceae family, is considered by consumers to be a healthy green-yellow vegetable that is rich in vitamins B, C, and A, as well as dietary fiber, carotenoids, iron, etc. It has a wide range of cooking repertoires and can be easily cooked, etc., and is thus supported for these reasons. On the other hand, its vegetable weight is light, the burden of operations such as shipping adjustment is small, so open-field cultivation has less initial investment and is easy to start, the growth time is short, and stable yields and selling prices can be expected, etc., so it is supported by producers.

[0004] Plant varieties generally include conventional varieties and first-generation hybrid (hereinafter referred to as "F1") varieties, and F1 varieties are common in many crops. Among the broccoli considered edible, conventional varieties were the core until the 1960s, but from the 1970s to the 1980s, the F1 conversion progressed rapidly, and currently most are F1 varieties.

[0005] The characteristics required of broccoli buds include a dense dome shape, fine and uniform grains (unflowered broccoli buds), rich and uniform green color, and good aggregation, and broccoli buds with these characteristics are traded on the market. On the other hand, since broccoli is separated into small buds when it is finally cooked and eaten, it is more convenient to sell it in the form of small buds of appropriate size from the beginning. In fact, the circulation of broccoli products divided into small buds is increasing, and due to its good convenience of use, high demand can be expected in the future. Against this background, if broccoli plants with uniform and large numbers of small buds and excellent suitability for small bud processing can be bred, it will be advantageous to provide broccoli small buds with high commercial value.

[0006] Broccoli plants suitable for commercial broccoli products that are separated into buds are desired to have a high yield of buds, uniform bud sizes, dark green buds, and to facilitate separation and processing of the buds after harvest.

[0007] WO2007 / 062009 (Patent Document 1) proposes a broccoli that is desired for separation and processing of flower buds. The broccoli disclosed therein has at least 50% of the flower buds on the flower bud head not in contact with other flower buds on the flower bud head, and has an extended secondary stem that supports the separated flower buds. It is believed that such a shape improves the quality of the flower buds and makes processing easier.

[0008] In addition, WO2012 / 084702 (Patent Document 2) discloses a broccoli plant characterized in that the flower buds are contained in a plane substantially parallel to the ground. It is believed that such a shape makes mechanical harvesting and processing easier.

[0009] In Vegetable Information, February 2021, page 40 (non-patent document 1), "Regarding the Promising Production of Large Flower Buds in Broccoli for Processing Business" and "Technology for Increasing the Production of Small Flower Buds Based on the Large-Scale of Broccoli Flower Buds" (non-patent document 2), Takahashi proposed a plan to increase the production of small flower buds by enlarging the flower buds without being limited to the previous vegetable and fruit standards in order to achieve domestic production of broccoli for processing business with the aim of reducing production costs, which has become a problem. In addition, Grandome can be cited as a variety that can maintain its quality even if the flower buds are enlarged and has a high yield increase effect.

[0010] In addition, small broccoli floret processing product sales enterprises differentiate their products by arranging various products with neatly sized small broccoli florets (for example: Ecofroz HP, Non-Patent Document 3). However, no specific broccoli plant that generates small florets of uniform size and high yield is disclosed therein.

[0011] As described above, although there are proposals for broccoli plants that facilitate the processing of broccoli small florets, there is still a demand for broccoli plants that are easy to separate and process the harvested florets and that generate small florets of uniform size and high yield.

[0012] Prior Art Documents

[0013] Patent Documents

[0014] Patent Document 1: WO2007 / 062009 Gazette

[0015] Patent Document 2: WO2012 / 084702 Gazette

[0016] Non-Patent Documents

[0017] Non-Patent Document 1: Takashi Tokuhashi, "Production of Promising Large Florets for Processing Broccoli", Vegetable Information, February 2021, page 40

[0018] Non-Patent Document 2: NARO HP "Small Floret Yield Increase Technology Based on Enlargement of Broccoli Florets" https: / / www.naro.go.jp / project / results / 4th_laboratory / nivfs / 2020 / nivfs20_s01.html

[0019] Non-Patent Document 3: Ecofroz HP https: / / www.ecofroz.com / Summary of the Invention

[0020] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0021] The inventors of the present application have newly discovered a broccoli plant having preferable broccoli traits and a genetic trait of generating small florets of uniform size and high yield. The present invention is based on the above-mentioned findings.

[0022] Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a broccoli plant capable of generating small florets of uniform size and high yield, a method for manufacturing a small broccoli floret processing product from the broccoli plant that generates small florets of uniform size and high yield.

[0024] Moreover, the broccoli plant according to the present invention is a broccoli plant or its progeny having a gene involved in the generation of small flower buds that can achieve the generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield within the nuclear genome.

[0025] In addition, the method for manufacturing a processed product of small flower buds of the broccoli plant according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0026] A step of preparing the aforementioned broccoli plant according to the present invention;

[0027] A step of cutting small flower buds of the secondary stem from the flower bud cluster of the broccoli plant; and

[0028] A step of packaging the cut small flower buds of the secondary stem as appropriate.

[0029] Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, there is provided a broccoli plant having preferable broccoli traits and generating small flower buds with uniform size and high yield. In addition, based on the broccoli plant according to the present invention, the processing of broccoli small flower buds is made easy, and a broccoli product with high commercial value, divided small flower buds, can be provided. In addition, by using the broccoli plant according to the present invention as a parental line, a broccoli line that generates small flower buds with uniform and high yield can also be cultivated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A photograph obtained by confirming the broccoli line H that generates small flower buds with uniform size and high yield obtained in Example 3 from directly above the top.

[0032] Figure 2 A photograph showing the small flower buds of the broccoli line H that generates small flower buds with uniform size and high yield obtained in Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Preservation of Seeds

[0034] Regarding the present invention, the following deposits 1 to 3 were made.

[0035] Deposit 1

[0036] Deposit Number: FERM BP-22456

[0037] Identification Label: SSC-BRO-22-001

[0038] Deposit Date: August 1, 2022

[0039] Deposit 2

[0040] Deposit Number: FERM BP-22457​​

[0041] Identification label: SSC-BRO-22-002

[0042] Deposit date: August 1, 2022

[0043] Deposit 3

[0044] Deposit number: FERM BP-22458

[0045] Identification label: SSC-BRO-22-003

[0046] Deposit date: August 1, 2022

[0047] Deposit institution (all of Deposits 1 to 3)

[0048] National Institute of Technology and Evaluation Patent Biological Depositary

[0049] 2-5-8, Kamigoura, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba-ken

[0050] Definition

[0051] In the present invention and this specification, the so-called "broccoli" means Brassica oleracea L. var. italica of the genus Brassica in the family Brassicaceae, the so-called "kale" means Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra of the same genus and species in the same family, and similarly, the so-called "cauliflower" means Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis of the same genus and species in the same family. In addition, plants obtained by hybridization of broccoli, kale or cauliflower may sometimes be simply referred to as Brassica lines.

[0052] In the present invention and this specification, the so-called "curd" means a collection of small flower buds.

[0053] In the present invention and this specification, "curd" includes not only the whole curd but also a part of the curd. In addition, when referring to "curd", it may sometimes be simply referred to as "bud".

[0054] In the present invention and this specification, the so-called "small flower bud" means a group of non-flowering broccoli flower buds and the parts of the stems branched from the main stem other than the main stem that support them, and they may come into contact and collectively form a curd as the case may be. Here, regarding the stem part, the part branched from the main stem is called the secondary stem, and the stem further separated from the secondary stem to the stem that supports each flower bud by a single filament is called the tertiary stem, quaternary stem, etc.

[0055] In the present invention and in this specification, the so-called "small flower bud part" means a group of broccoli flower buds that do not bloom and a part of the axis supporting them, which are small flower buds with a secondary stem. Here, there may be branches such as a tertiary stem and a quaternary stem on this secondary stem. That is, the "small flower bud part" in the present invention means the "small flower buds" supported by the secondary stem directly branched from the main stem, and means the "small flower buds" including all the groups of flower buds at the front ends of the tertiary stem, quaternary stem, etc. as long as they are supported by this secondary stem. Therefore, the "small flower bud part" is sometimes referred to as the "small flower buds of the secondary stem".

[0056] It should be noted that in the present invention, the length of the part of the axis supporting the small flower bud part can be adjusted by cutting or machining. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferably adjusted so that the length from the top of the small flower bud to the front end of the stem is equal to the diameter of the small flower bud. On the other hand, the definition of the "small flower bud part" in the present invention does not include the small flower buds obtained by separating, cutting, or machining the group of flower buds horizontally, vertically, or obliquely to adjust the diameter or the shape of the small flower bud. In the present invention, in terms of the shape of the small flower buds obtained by cultivation, it is evaluated whether the numerical conditions of the "small flower bud part ratio" of the present invention described below are satisfied.

[0057] In the present invention and in this specification, the so-called "diameter of the flower bud ball" refers to any one of the following values: a value calculated in the form of a numerical value obtained by dividing the sum of the value measured as the short axis length and the value measured as the long axis length when observing the flower bud ball from the top direction by 2; or the value of the width when observing the flower bud ball from the side direction.

[0058] In the present invention and in this specification, the so-called "diameter of the small flower bud" refers to any one of the following values: a value calculated in the form of a numerical value obtained by dividing the sum of the value measured as the short axis length and the value measured as the long axis length when observing the small flower bud from the top direction by 2; or the maximum width value when observing the small flower bud from the side direction. Therefore, in the present invention, the "diameter of the small flower bud part" is also similarly any one of the following values: a value calculated in the form of a numerical value obtained by dividing the sum of the value measured as the short axis length and the value measured as the long axis length when observing the "small flower bud part" from the top direction by 2; or the maximum width value when observing the "small flower bud part" from the side direction. This is because, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the flower buds of the broccoli plant of the present invention, especially the "small flower bud part", at the position where its width is the largest, its shape almost forms a perfect circle when observed from above.

[0059] In the present invention and this specification, the "diameter of the flower bud ball or small flower bud" is measured "at the time of harvest". As a method of measurement, in addition to directly measuring with a tape measure, it is also possible to analyze the captured image and measure its size. For example, it is also possible to take a picture of the broccoli small flower bud from the top or side direction, and for the captured image, use the drawing tool of a personal computer or tablet to draw a line that divides the entire area of the small flower bud from the background. Then, based on the processed image with the boundary line drawn, use image analysis software (such as ImageJ) to measure each diameter. In addition, the diameter of the flower bud ball can also be measured by the same method.

[0060] In the present invention and this specification, the so-called "contact" of small flower buds means that when the flower bud ball is confirmed from above the top, the outer edge of the small flower bud contacts other small flower buds inside the flower bud ball.

[0061] In the present invention and this specification, the so-called "part of a plant body" includes cells or tissues of the plant body. Specifically, fruits, seeds, flowers, pollen, anthers, leaves, stems, roots, embryos, hypocotyls, meristematic cells, callus, etc. can be cited. In addition, it also includes protoplasts obtained from the cells of the plant body.

[0062] Broccoli Plants Based on the Present Invention

[0063] The broccoli plant based on the present invention is a broccoli plant having a gene involved in the generation of small flower buds in the nuclear genome, and the gene can achieve the generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield.

[0064] Here, the so-called "generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield" means that when the diameter of the flower bud ball is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the ratio (%) of the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts, that is, ([the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less / the total number of small flower bud parts] × 100) is at least 40% of the generation of small flower buds. In the following description, sometimes the "ratio of small flower bud parts when the diameter of the flower bud ball is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, and the ratio (%) of the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts" is abbreviated as "small flower bud part ratio".

[0065] According to one aspect of the present invention, the "small flower bud part ratio" is preferably 41% or more, 42% or more, 43% or more, and more preferably 44% or more. In the most preferred aspect, the "small flower bud part ratio" is 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, and further 70% or more.

[0066] In addition, when the diameter of the flower bud ball is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 9 or more, 10 or more, 15 or more. In addition, in the broccoli plant based on the present invention, the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less is preferably more than 20, more preferably more than 22.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the diameter of the flower bud ball of the broccoli plant based on the present invention is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, it is the appropriate harvesting period of the flower bud ball.

[0068] In addition, the broccoli plant based on the present invention can also be defined by taking its weight as an index instead of the number of small flower bud parts. That is, the total weight of the small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less is preferably 65 g or more, more preferably 90 g or more, and further preferably 100 g or more.

[0069] More than 50% of the small flower buds on the flower bud ball of the broccoli plant based on the present invention are in contact with other small flower buds on the flower bud ball. According to a preferred embodiment, all the small flower bud parts constituting the top flower bud of the broccoli plant based on the present invention are in contact with each other. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, all the small flower bud parts constituting the side flower buds of the broccoli plant based on the present invention are not in contact with each other.

[0070] The longitudinal size of the flower bud ball of the broccoli plant based on the present invention is preferably about 20 cm from its top. Therefore, in the broccoli plant based on the present invention, the main stem of the flower bud ball can be uniformly trimmed to a length of 25 cm from the top of the flower bud ball, preferably can be uniformly trimmed to a length of 22 cm, and further preferably can be uniformly trimmed to a length of 20 cm.

[0071] Regarding the broccoli plant based on the present invention, it has a gene in the nuclear genome that can achieve "the generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield" as a gene involved in the generation of small flower buds. Therefore, the broccoli plant based on the present invention includes plants that have the aforementioned gene in the nuclear genome and have small flower buds with uniform size and exhibit this genetic trait. In addition, it also includes the following broccoli plants: the plant contains such a gene but the gene is not expressed, but this genetic trait is expressed in its offspring.

[0072] It should be noted that in the present invention and this specification, sometimes "having a gene involved in the generation of small flower buds in the nuclear genome, and the gene can achieve the generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield" is expressed as "including the genetic trait of generating small flower buds with uniform size and high yield" or "including the trait of generating small flower buds with uniform size and high yield".

[0073] The broccoli plant according to the present invention has the characteristics that the buds are uniform in size and have a large yield, which is suitable for bud processing. As a broccoli bud product, the buds with a diameter of 2 cm to 4 cm are bite-sized and easy to eat, and the buds of this size can be used in a variety of applications from the perspective of cooking. Therefore, the broccoli plant according to the present invention with a large amount of buds of this size is suitable for bud processing.

[0074] In addition, compared with the case where the diameter of the small flower buds is adjusted to 2 cm to 4 cm or processed into a shape by cutting or cutting the small flower buds, the present invention is advantageous in terms of appearance, and is also advantageous in terms of being able to avoid the risk of deterioration from the cut parts and the growth of bacteria from the cuts. Furthermore, there is also the advantage of reducing the loss caused by the disposal of small flower buds and other parts that are not easily used as target products.

[0075] In addition, the broccoli plant according to the present invention has uniform size of the "small flower buds" of the "small flower buds of the secondary stems", so as long as the small flower buds are cut at the secondary stems, small flower buds of uniform size can be obtained. Such a processing operation of the secondary stems can reduce the number of steps, thereby shortening the operation time, and is therefore particularly desirable.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the broccoli plant based on the present invention has the same or very similar characteristics as conventional broccoli in terms of characteristics other than the characteristics of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield, especially the characteristics as a crop. The so-called characteristics as a crop include qualities such as taste, shape of the bud ball, shape of the small flower buds, color of the small flower buds, expression level of anthocyanins, or ease of cultivation. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the broccoli plant based on the present invention has qualities such as dense dome shape with fine and neat grains, and small flower buds showing the same bright dark green color as the bud ball. By making the diameter of the small flower buds uniform and bagging them, it is possible to provide high value-added products. In particular, in the present invention, broccoli plants in which the expression of anthocyanins is suppressed are preferred.

[0077] Progeny of Broccoli Plants Based on the Present Invention

[0078] The broccoli plant according to the present invention is formed by introducing "a gene capable of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield", i.e., "a genetic trait for generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" into the broccoli plant. The introduction of such a gene or genetic trait can be carried out, for example, by introducing into the nuclear genome of broccoli a "gene involved in generating small flower buds" possessed by a broccoli plant that generates small flower buds of uniform size and high yield. The gene in the nuclear genome of the broccoli plant according to the present invention can be homozygous or heterozygous.

[0079] According to one aspect of the present invention, the broccoli plant based on the present invention can be derived from an "intraspecific hybrid plant" obtained by crossing broccoli with broccoli, Chinese kale, or cauliflower. Therefore, in this aspect, the broccoli plant based on the present invention is a plant individual that has inherited chromosomes containing the "gene capable of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield". Here, "chromosome" includes not only the entire chromosome but also a part of the chromosome.

[0080] In addition, the broccoli plant based on the present invention can be an "interspecific hybrid plant", and also includes plants generated by crossing different species within the species of plants belonging to the genus Brassica, somatic hybrid plants obtained by cell fusion between different species of Brassica plants, and graft hybrid plants obtained by grafting between different species of Brassica plants.

[0081] In addition, for "plants derived from intraspecific hybrid plants of broccoli and other Brassica plants other than broccoli", in addition to the intraspecific hybrid plants, it also includes the offspring of the intraspecific hybrid plants. Among the offspring individuals that have inherited the "gene capable of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" derived from Brassica plants, the "genetic trait of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" can also be expressed through this gene.

[0082] In addition, the so-called "offspring of the broccoli plant based on the present invention" includes, in addition to the offspring obtained by intraspecific hybridization of the broccoli plant based on the present invention, individuals and their offspring obtained by using the broccoli plant based on the present invention as a parental strain, somatic hybrid plants and their offspring obtained by cell fusion of cells of the broccoli plant based on the present invention with other plant cells, and individuals and their offspring obtained by grafting using the broccoli plant as a rootstock or scion. Here, "offspring" includes both individuals obtained by intraspecific hybridization and individuals obtained by interspecific hybridization. In addition, as the "individual obtained by using (a plant) as a parental strain", it means an individual obtained by intraspecific hybridization, interspecific hybridization, cell fusion, or grafting using the plant as a parental strain.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present invention, with respect to the introduction of the "gene capable of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" into genomic DNA, it can be carried out by genetic modification methods such as cross-breeding methods and genome editing methods using broccoli and Brassica plants having the trait of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield as parental strains.

[0084] The "genetic trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" of the broccoli plant based on the present invention shows a recessive phenotype and can be genetically fixed. Therefore, by using the broccoli plant based on the present invention as a parental line for interspecific or intraspecific hybridization, a new line of broccoli that produces small flower buds of uniform size and high yield can be cultivated.

[0085] In addition, the F1 obtained by crossing with the broccoli plant based on the present invention as both parental lines shows a positive overdominance or incomplete dominance phenotype, and can further exhibit the trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

[0086] Specific examples of the broccoli plant based on the present invention include the deposit numbers FERM BP-22456 (SSC-BRO-22-001), FERM BP-22457 (SSC-BRO-22-002), and FERM BP-22458 (SSC-BRO-22-003) of the seeds that have been deposited as described above. And the broccoli plant based on the present invention includes the following forms based on the deposited specific plants.

[0087] That is, a broccoli plant containing the "gene capable of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" or the "genetic trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" derived from the deposited plant is also included in the present invention.

[0088] Here, in the present invention and this specification, "comprising" has the same meaning as "having".

[0089] In addition, a broccoli plant containing the "gene capable of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" or the "genetic trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" determined or represented by the deposited plant is also included in the present invention.

[0090] Here, in the present invention and this specification, the gene or genetic trait "determined" or "represented" by the deposited plant means a gene with the same function even if it is not completely identical to the gene present in the deposited plant.

[0091] In addition, a broccoli plant containing the "gene capable of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" or the "genetic trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield" that can be found in the deposited plant is also included in the present invention.

[0092] Here, in the present invention and this specification, the gene or genetic trait "be foundable" in the deposited plant means a gene with the same function even if it is not completely identical to the gene "be found" in the deposited plant.

[0093] In addition, the present invention includes broccoli plants that produce small flower buds of uniform size and high yield, which are hybrid plants obtained by using, as parental lines, broccoli plants that produce small flower buds of uniform size and high yield, as determined by deposit numbers FERM BP-22456, FERM BP-22457, or FERM BP-22458, or their descendants.

[0094] Method for Producing Broccoli Plants Based on the Present Invention

[0095] The production of the broccoli plants according to the present invention is preferably carried out by crossing broccoli with a plant obtained by crossing broccoli, Chinese kale, or cauliflower, and breeding, from the descendants of the obtained seeds, broccoli plants with a large ratio of the small flower bud part using the "ratio of the small flower bud part" as an index.

[0096] Here, in the present invention and this specification, the "production method" may also be referred to as the "generation method", "breeding method", "cultivation method", or "production method". That is, the terms "production", "generation", "breeding", "cultivation", and "production" here can be used with the same meaning.

[0097] In the production method of broccoli according to the present invention, the broccoli used as the parental line is not particularly limited, and preferably a variety cultivated as a crop. Currently, the broccoli in circulation mainly includes single-head (Single Head) type varieties and broccolini varieties. The single-head type broccoli variety refers to broccoli that harvests one flower bud cluster with a diameter of about 12.0 cm from one plant body, or broccoli that harvests two or more flower bud clusters of the same level. It is reported that for single-head type varieties, depending on the use, the flower bud cluster with a diameter of up to about 20.0 cm can be used as a commodity. For the broccoli used as the parental line in the present invention, preferably an individual of a broccoli strain treated as a single-head type broccoli in domestic transactions in Japan. The broccoli used as the parental line in the present invention is further preferably broccoli in which the outer edge of the small flower buds contacts other small flower buds inside the flower bud cluster when the flower bud cluster is confirmed from above the top. By using a single-head type broccoli strain, it is easy to breed a new type of broccoli plant having the trait of producing small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

[0098] A preferred method for producing the broccoli plant according to the present invention comprises the following steps, for example: a step of crossing broccoli with a plant obtained by crossing broccoli, Chinese kale or cauliflower to produce F1 seeds; a step of cultivating the aforementioned F1 seeds and screening them using the ability to produce a yield, the uniform and small size of the small flower buds as an index to produce seeds; a step of self-crossing or backcrossing the seeds obtained by producing seeds from the plants selected above, and then repeating self-crossing, thereby breeding a broccoli plant with uniform and high-yield small flower buds; a step of backcrossing the bred broccoli plant with uniform and high-yield small flower buds as a backcross parent strain with a cytoplasmic male sterile strain; a step of crossing the bred broccoli plants with uniform and high-yield small flower buds with each other. The number of repetitions of self-crossing and backcrossing is only required to be 1 or more times, and there is no particular limitation. It can also be 2 to 3 times, or 3 or more times. In these steps, backcrossing, self-crossing, and cultivation can be carried out using the usual methods for broccoli cultivation.

[0099] Production of F1 Seeds of Broccoli Plants Based on the Present Invention

[0100] According to one aspect of the present invention, the broccoli plant according to the present invention is provided in the form of F1. The method for producing F1 seeds of the broccoli plant according to the present invention has the following steps: a step of crossing the broccoli plant according to the present invention with the broccoli plant according to the present invention or a broccoli plant other than the broccoli plant according to the present invention (preferably a broccoli plant of other strain lines having the genetic trait of producing uniform and high-yield small flower buds); and a step of producing F1 seeds from the individuals obtained by the aforementioned crossing.

[0101] Since the "genetic trait of producing uniform and high-yield small flower buds" of the broccoli plant according to the present invention is recessively expressed, by performing intraspecific crossing with other broccoli strain lines having this trait, or interspecific crossing with Brassica plants that produce uniform and high-yield small flower buds, F1 seeds capable of harvesting flower bud balls having the trait of producing uniform and high-yield small flower buds can be obtained. Crossing and seed production can be carried out using the usual methods.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the F1 strain obtained by hybridizing the broccoli plant based on the present invention as a double parent strain shows particularly preferred traits. Specifically, it is the combination in the embodiments described later. That is, with respect to the broccoli plants used as parent strains, broccoli strain A, broccoli strain E, broccoli strain K, and broccoli strain M can be used. As the F1 combination, a hybrid combination of strain K or strain CMS K and strain E is preferred, and a hybrid combination of strain A or strain CMSA and strain E is further preferred. In addition, a broccoli plant that produces small flower buds of uniform size and high yield produced by the method for producing a broccoli plant based on the present invention can also be used.

[0103] The level of dominant effect of the target trait in F1 is expressed as a potency ratio (Takeda, 1993), which can be calculated by the following formula modified by Ogata et al. (2003) to distinguish between positive and negative expressions.

[0104] Effect ratio = 2×(F1-MP) / |P1-P2|

[0105] F1: F1 measured value

[0106] P1, P2: The measured values ​​of the two parental strains

[0107] MP (Medium Parent): The average of the two parental lines

[0108] The effect ratio (h / d) is a standard that quantitatively shows the level of dominant effect of a quantitative gene, and the level of dominant effect can be estimated as follows: if |h / d|=1, it is completely dominant; if |h / d|=0, it is non-dominant; if 0<|h / d|<1, it is incompletely dominant; if 1<|h / d|, it is superdominant (Takeda, 1983).

[0109] Utilization of Broccoli Plants Based on the Present Invention: Breeding Materials

[0110] The broccoli plant based on the present invention can be used as a parent strain, i.e., a breeding material, for breeding new broccoli plants that produce small flower buds of uniform size and high yield. In addition, hybrid plants obtained using the broccoli plant based on the present invention as a parent strain and their offspring can also be used as a parent strain for breeding new broccoli plants that produce small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

[0111] Specifically, for example, by continuously backcrossing an optional Brassica plant or an interspecific hybrid plant derived from a Brassica plant with the broccoli plant based on the present invention, a Brassica plant can be produced that exhibits the genetic trait of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield. Additionally, by continuously backcrossing an optional broccoli plant or an interspecific hybrid plant derived from a broccoli plant with the broccoli plant based on the present invention, a broccoli plant can be produced that exhibits the genetic trait of generating small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

[0112] Method for Producing Processed Products of Small Flower Buds of Broccoli Based on the Present Invention

[0113] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a processed product of small flower buds of broccoli is provided, which comprises the following steps: a step of preparing a broccoli plant based on the present invention; a step of cutting small flower buds of the secondary stem from the flower bud head of this broccoli plant; and a step of optionally packaging the cut small flower buds of the secondary stem.

[0114] As described above, the broccoli plant based on the present invention has the traits that the small flower buds are of uniform size and high in yield. According to a preferred mode, the "small flower bud part ratio" of the broccoli plant based on the present invention is at least 40% or more, so the "small flower buds of the secondary stem" are of uniform size and high in yield. If small flower buds are cut at the secondary stem from the flower bud head of such a broccoli plant based on the present invention, a large number of small flower buds of uniform size can be obtained. According to one mode of the invention, it is preferably adjusted such that the length from the top of the small flower bud to the front end of the stem is equal to the diameter of the small flower bud. According to a particularly preferred mode, small flower buds of the secondary stem are cut from the flower bud head of the following broccoli plant: when the diameter of the flower bud head of the said broccoli plant is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the ratio (%) (small flower bud part ratio) of the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts is at least 40%.

[0115] Then, the cut small flower buds of the secondary stem are put into a suitable container, bag, etc. to make a processed product, and refrigerated or frozen if necessary. In the method based on the present invention, as long as small flower buds are cut at the secondary stem, small flower buds of regular size can be obtained, so the advantages of being able to reduce the number of processing steps and shorten the operation time can be achieved. Additionally, the small flower buds of the processed product of broccoli obtained by the method based on the present invention have a diameter of 2 cm to 4 cm, are of a size suitable for one bite and easy to eat, and such sized small flower buds can be utilized in multiple applications from the perspective of cooking. According to the method based on the present invention, a broccoli processed product with high commercial value can be provided in this way.

[0116] Examples

[0117] The following examples are provided to illustrate the present invention in further detail, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0118] Example 1: Propagation of Broccoli Line A

[0119] Two broccoli lines with many side branches, a broccoli line resistant to downy mildew, a Chinese kale line, and a cauliflower line (all are owned by Sakata Seed Corporation) were prepared. A Brassica line B with elongated flower stalks and relatively uniform and tightly clustered small flower buds was selected from their hybrid offspring. A broccoli line C (owned by Sakata Seed Corporation) with dark flower bud color and semi-dome shape was crossed with this line, and the screening and selfing were repeated from the obtained F1 (line D) using the yield capacity, relatively uniform and small size of small flower buds, and regular size of small flower buds as indicators. Thus, a broccoli line A with the trait of forming uniform small flower buds was bred.

[0120] In the second year, the F1 obtained by crossing line B as the seed parent and line C as the pollen parent was evaluated. It was confirmed that the size of the small flower buds was uniform, and then selfing was carried out.

[0121] In the third year, 32 individuals of the obtained F2 generation were cultivated. Individuals with uneven size of scattered small flower buds or lack of field viability due to early loose flower buds were found. One individual with relatively uniform and small size of small flower buds and good clustering degree of small flower buds was selected from them and selfed.

[0122] In the fourth year, 40 individuals of this F3 generation were cultivated. Similar to last year, 3 individuals with the traits of relatively uniform and small size of small flower buds and good clustering degree of small flower buds were selected and selfed.

[0123] In the fifth year, 40 individuals were cultivated respectively for each of the F4 generations from the 3 individuals selected last year. From the population of one of the lines, 3 individuals with the traits of relatively uniform and small size of small flower buds, good clustering degree of small flower buds, and suppressed expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds were selected as in the previous year and the year before last and selfed.

[0124] Then, sowing, the same screening, and selfing were continued to be repeated. In the tenth year, sowing was carried out with the seeds produced from individuals with good seed productivity. As a result, it was successfully confirmed that plants with uniform-sized small flower buds were generated. In addition, it was also successfully confirmed that the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds was suppressed.

[0125] Line A was backcrossed 8 times with a cytoplasmic male sterile line (owned by Sakata Seed Corporation) to breed a cytoplasmic male sterile line CMS A with the same nuclear genes as line A.

[0126] Example 2: Propagation of Broccoli Line E

[0127] A broccoli strain (strain F, held by Sakata Seed Corporation) with a large number of small flower buds and the small flower buds extremely tightly clustered is crossed with a Brassica strain B with an elongated flower stalk and the small flower buds relatively evenly and tightly clustered. The obtained F1 is repeatedly self-crossed to breed a broccoli strain E that produces small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

[0128] An evaluation is carried out on the F1 obtained by crossing the aforementioned broccoli strain F as the seed parent and the Brassica strain B as the pollen parent. It is confirmed that the sizes of the small flower buds are uniform and the small flower buds are extremely tightly clustered, and then self-crossing is carried out. Next, 69 individuals of the obtained F2 generation are developed. There are individuals with uneven sizes of scattered small flower buds or distorted shapes of the whole flower buds. From these, 4 individuals with uniform sizes of small flower buds and tightly clustered small flower buds are selected and self-crossed.

[0129] In the following year, 25 individuals are respectively developed from the F3 generations of the 4 selected strains. Similar to last year, an evaluation is carried out from the perspective of maintaining the traits of uniform sizes of small flower buds and tightly clustered small flower buds. As a result, 6 individuals are selected from the population derived from one strain and self-crossed. Among these selected individuals, 2 individuals are those in which the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds is suppressed.

[0130] Next, 25 individuals are respectively developed from the F4 generations of the 6 selected strains and an evaluation is carried out. As a result, 2 individuals with uniform sizes of small flower buds and tightly clustered small flower buds are selected from the strain derived from the individual in which the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds is suppressed and self-crossed. Then, sowing, the same screening, and self-crossing are also continued. After 5 years, sowing is carried out with the seeds produced from individuals with good seed productivity. It is confirmed that the obtained plants maintain uniform small flower buds and the total number thereof is very excellent. In addition, it is also successfully confirmed that the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds is suppressed.

[0131] The seeds of this strain E are deposited with the aforementioned depository institution under the accession number FERM BP-22456 (identification label: SSC-BRO-22-001).

[0132] Example 3: Propagation of Broccoli Lines G and H

[0133] Using line A as the seed parent and the precursor line of line E with almost fixed main traits as the pollen parent, bud-stage mating was carried out to breed line G as its F1. In the following summer, line G was sown and its phenotype was confirmed. As a result, it was confirmed that the small flower buds were uniform, the total number of small flower buds was excellent compared with previous F1s, and the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds was suppressed. In the following year, further trial planting of line G with line E of the next generation as the pollen parent was carried out, and it was confirmed that the same traits as the previous year were exhibited.

[0134] Crossing was carried out using line CMS A as the seed parent and line E as the pollen parent to breed line H. In the trial planting during the summer sowing of the same year, it was confirmed that the small flower buds of line H were uniform, the total number of small flower buds was excellent, and the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds was suppressed.

[0135] The seeds of this line H were deposited with the aforementioned depository institution under the accession number FERM BP-22457 (identification label: SSC-BRO-22-002).

[0136] Example 4: Propagation of Broccoli Line K

[0137] Using the same method as in Example 1 and Example 2, a broccoli line I with uniform small flower buds was cultivated by crossing a line with a large number of small flower buds with a line having better uniformity in flower stem elongation and small flower bud size. However, it was confirmed that compared with the commercially available varieties, the small flower buds of this line I lacked aggregation and had insufficient yield capacity. In order to improve the lack of its yield capacity, the F1 line D when cultivating line A was crossed with line I to carry out three-way cross. The obtained seeds were sown, and cultivation, screening, and self-crossing were repeated to breed a broccoli line K that produces small flower buds with uniform size and high yield and has improved the yield capacity of small flower buds. In addition, it was also confirmed that the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds was suppressed in line K.

[0138] Line K was backcrossed 7 times with the cytoplasmic male sterile line maintained by Sakata Seed Co., Ltd. to breed a cytoplasmic male sterile line CMS K having the same nuclear genes as line K.

[0139] Example 5: Propagation of Line L

[0140] Crossing was carried out using line CMS K as the seed parent and line E as the pollen parent to breed line L. It was also confirmed for line L that the small flower buds were uniform in size, the total number of small flower buds was excellent compared with previous F1 varieties, and the expression of anthocyanin in the flower buds was suppressed.

[0141] The seeds of this line L were deposited with the aforementioned depository institution under the accession number FERM BP-22458 (identification label: SSC-BRO-22-003).

[0142] Example 6: Propagation of Line M

[0143] The broccoli plants with strong low-temperature swelling property in which the expression of anthocyanin is inhibited (preserved by Sakata Seedling Co., Ltd.) were crossed and cultivated with broccoli plants with very small grains and a high domed shape (preserved by Sakata Seedling Co., Ltd.). The obtained offspring lines were crossed with a broccoli line (preserved by Sakata Seedling Co., Ltd.) having a slightly flat and elastic flower bud cluster, and screening and cultivation were carried out using the small grains of the flower buds, the inhibited expression of anthocyanin, dark green color, swelling ability, and many small flower buds as indicators. As a result, the obtained broccoli line was designated as line M.

[0144] The cultivation process and cultivation materials of this line M are different from those of Examples 1 to 5. However, according to the evaluation results described below, it is an example in which broccoli plants producing uniformly sized and high-yield small flower buds were successfully cultivated even under a genetic background of broccoli different from that of the lines in Examples 1 to 5.

[0145] Evaluation of Broccoli Plants

[0146] After sowing, seedlings were raised in a plug tray. After growing into seedlings suitable for transplantation, they were transplanted into a field and conventional cultivation management was carried out. The flower buds were harvested at the time point when it was the appropriate harvest time for the flower bud cluster, and the harvested products were measured. For the number of small flower buds, the average value was used. All the measured small flower buds were those on the secondary stems.

[0147] [Experiment 1] Determination of the Ratio of Small Flower Bud Parts in Autumn Crop Experimental Cultivation

[0148] For the 6 broccoli lines (lines A, E, H, K, L, and M) bred from the above Examples 1 to 6, 4 commercially available broccoli lines, and 2 broccoli lines (lines O and N) preserved by Sakata Seedling Co., Ltd., the small flower bud part ratio was calculated and compared.

[0149] As commercially available broccoli strains, the following strains were selected. "Monflor" is an F1 sold by Syngenta, with separated small flower buds, and is a variety claimed to be suitable for processing needs, and is also the target variety of Pinto in the aforementioned Patent Document 2 (see Patent Information and Transparency On-line). "Skytree" is an F1 sold by Bayer, with the concept of Easy Floret, and is a variety sold with the feature of small flower bud quality. "Ohayou" is one of the mainstream F1 varieties representing Japan sold by Sakata Seed Corporation, and is a representative variety of early-maturing varieties. In addition, "Grandome" is one of the mainstream F1 varieties representing Japan sold by Sakata Seed Corporation, and is a representative variety of medium-late-maturing varieties, which is also mentioned in the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2.

[0150] In addition, broccoli strains O and N (both held by Sakata Seed Corporation), which were evaluated in the same way at the same time, are representative strains of early-maturing existing-type broccoli strains with slightly flattened flower buds and good flower bud quality, and representative strains of existing-type medium-late-maturing broccoli strains with dome-shaped flower buds and high flower bud ball yields, respectively.

[0151] The cultivation location was the Kakegawa Comprehensive Research Center of Sakata Seed Corporation. The cultivation time was sowing on August 10, transplanting on September 7, and the flower bud ball formation period was a typical autumn cultivation during the period of temperature decline. And the small flower bud part was measured at the appropriate harvest time of the flower bud ball. After the flower bud ball was harvested and processed in the field, it was directly measured using an electronic scale and a tape measure. In addition, the small flower bud part was further separated and directly measured using an electronic scale and a tape measure in the same way. In addition, the contact ratio (%) of the small flower buds was calculated from the number of parts of the small flower buds in contact with each other (contact small flower buds) and the number of parts of the small flower buds not in contact (non-contact small flower buds). The results are shown in Table 1. It was confirmed that under these cultivation conditions, there was a tendency for the small flower buds on the top flower bud to become contact small flower buds and the small flower buds on the side flower buds to become non-contact small flower buds.

[0152] [Table 1]

[0153]

[0154] In the table, the so-called "small flower bud part of 2 - 4 cm" means "the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less".

[0155] As can be seen from the results in Table 1, the "small flower bud part ratio" of the plant lines A, E, H, K, L and M bred from Examples 1 to 6 all exceeded 40%. On the other hand, the "small flower bud part ratio" of the commercially available varieties Monflor, Skytree, Ohayou and Grandome were all at the 30% level. The above shows that the ratio of small flower buds of the broccoli plants based on the present invention is significantly larger than that of the previously known broccoli plants.

[0156] In addition, regarding the total weight of the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less, it is shown that Monflor, Skytree, Ohayou and Grandome, which are commercially available varieties, are all less than 62.8 g. In contrast, the plant lines E, H, L and M are all 75.8 g or more, with a larger total weight. In addition, regarding the small flower bud part ratio and the total weight of the small flower bud part, the plant lines O and N are both lower than the commercially available varieties.

[0157] [Experiment 2] Determination of the Flower Bud Ball Parts in Spring Crop Experimental Cultivation

[0158] An experiment was conducted to determine whether the trait of forming small flower buds with uniform size and high yield would also be exhibited even at a different time from Experiment 1. The plant lines H and L were compared with three commercially available broccoli plant lines, namely Skytree, Ohayou and Grandome.

[0159] The cultivation location was the Kakegawa Comprehensive Research Center of Sakata Seed Co., Ltd. The cultivation time was sowing on January 25, transplanting on March 11, and the bud ball formation period was a typical spring cultivation during the temperature rising period. And the same method as in Experiment 1 was used to measure the small flower bud part at the appropriate harvest time of the bud ball, and calculate the small flower bud part ratio and the contact ratio of the small flower buds. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0160] [Table 2]

[0161]

[0162] In the table, the so-called "small flower bud part of 2 - 4 cm" means "the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less".

[0163] The "small flower bud part ratio" of strain H and strain L is more than 55.6%. On the other hand, the "small flower bud part ratio" of commercially available varieties Skytree, Ohayou and Grandome is less than 37.3%. In addition, regarding the total weight of the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and less than 4.0 cm, Skytree, Ohayou and Grandome are all less than 55.6 g. In contrast, strain H and strain L are both 84.0 g or more, and the total weight is significantly greater. Thus, it is confirmed that regardless of the cultivation time, the broccoli plants based on the present invention can achieve the generation of small flower buds with uniform size and high yield.

[0164] [Experiment 3] Verification of the Dominant Effect of F1

[0165] Calculate the effect ratio during the appropriate harvesting period of the flower bud heads in the autumn cultivation of strain H and strain L, which are F1 among the broccoli strains related to the present invention. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0166] [Table 3]

[0167] Table 3 Effect ratio of F1 with the trait of generating small flower buds with uniform size and high yield in the autumn cultivation experiment

[0168]

[0169] 1: Complete dominance

[0170] 0: Non-dominance

[0171] 0 - 1: Incomplete dominance

[0172] 1 <: Overdominance

[0173] In the table, the so-called "small flower bud part of 2 - 4 cm" means "small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and less than 4.0 cm".

[0174] Regarding the numerical value of the effect ratio in the autumn crop of strain H, the small flower bud part / total small flower bud part (number) exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed 2.4, and the total weight of the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed 2.0. The dominant effect level of any trait of strain H was presumed to be positive overdominance. On the other hand, regarding these numerical values of strain L, the small flower bud part / total small flower bud part (number) exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed 2.9, and the total weight of the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed 0.7. Therefore, in strain L, regarding the level of the dominant effect, the small flower bud / total small flower bud (number) exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed positive overdominance, and the total weight of the small flower bud part with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less showed positive incomplete dominance. It was shown that strain H or strain L, which is an F1 obtained by crossing with the broccoli plant based on the present invention as the parental strains, showed positive overdominance or incomplete dominance in terms of the level of the dominant effect in the trait of generating small flower buds with uniform size and high yield, showing a more significant effect.

[0175] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the disclosure of this specification.

[0176]

Claims

1. A broccoli plant or its progeny having, within its nuclear genome, a gene involved in the formation of small flower buds, said gene enabling the formation of small flower buds of uniform size and high yield.

2. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to claim 1, wherein, The gene involved in the formation of small flower buds is a gene capable of expressing the following genetic trait: when the diameter of the curd is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the ratio (%) (small flower bud part ratio) of the number of small flower bud parts having a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts is at least 40%.

3. The broccoli plant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The expression of anthocyanin is suppressed.

4. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The gene is derived from broccoli, Chinese kale or cauliflower.

5. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The gene involved in the formation of small flower buds is a gene capable of expressing a genetic trait such that the small flower bud part ratio is 41% or more, 42% or more, 43% or more, or 44% or more.

6. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The gene involved in the formation of small flower buds is a gene capable of expressing a genetic trait such that the small flower bud part ratio is 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, or 70% or more.

7. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a genetic trait of forming small flower buds of uniform size and high yield derived from a plant identified or represented by deposit number FERM BP - 22456, deposit number FERM BP - 22457, or deposit number FERM BP - 22458, or a genetic trait of forming small flower buds of uniform size and high yield that can be found in said deposit.

8. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the diameter of the curd is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the ratio (%) (small flower bud part ratio) of the number of small flower bud parts having a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts is at least 40%.

9. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to claim 8, wherein, The small flower bud part ratio is 41% or more, 42% or more, 43% or more, or 44% or more.

10. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to claim 8, wherein, The small flower bud part ratio is 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, or 70% or more.

11. The broccoli plant or its progeny according to claim 8, which is deposit number FERM BP - 22456, deposit number FERM BP - 22457, or deposit number FERM BP - 22458.

12. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, When the diameter of the curd is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the total number of small flower bud parts is 8 or more.

13. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, When the diameter of the curd is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the weight of the small flower bud parts having a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less is 65 g or more.

14. A broccoli plant or its progeny according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, More than 50% of the small flower buds on the curd are in contact with other small flower buds on the curd.

15. A hybrid plant or its progeny obtained using the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 14 as a parental strain.

16. A part of the plant body of the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The broccoli plant according to claim 16, which is a flower bud or a small flower bud.

18. Seeds of the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. A method for producing F1 seeds of the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15, said production method comprising the following steps: A step of crossing the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15 with the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or a plant other than that which can cross with the broccoli plant according to any one of claims 1 to 15; A step of producing F1 seeds from the individuals obtained by said crossing.

20. A method for manufacturing a processed product of broccoli flower buds, characterized in that, Comprising the following steps: A step of preparing the broccoli plant according to claim 1 or 2; A step of cutting small flower buds of the secondary stem from the flower bud ball of this broccoli plant; and A step of optionally packaging the cut small flower buds of the secondary stem.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The broccoli plant is the broccoli plant according to claim 8.

22. A method for manufacturing a processed product of broccoli florets, characterized in that, Comprising the following steps: A step of cutting small flower buds of the secondary stem from the flower bud ball of the following broccoli plant, wherein when the diameter of the flower bud ball of the broccoli plant is 14.0 cm or more and 17.0 cm or less, the ratio (%) (small flower bud part ratio) of the number of small flower bud parts with a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm and being 4.0 cm or less to the total number of small flower bud parts is at least 40%; and A step of optionally packaging the cut small flower buds of the secondary stem.

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