Growth of Other Species Related to Arabidopsis thaliana

Recent interest in the study of biological phenomena in Brassicaceae members (crucifers) related to the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana , fuels the need for standard protocols for growth and maintenance of these plant species. Like A. thaliana , many wild crucifers are amenable to growth in greenhouses, growth rooms, and growth chambers for laboratory study. Some aspects of their care are quite similar to A. thaliana . However, several unique traits, such as perennial growth habit, long life cycle, large plant size, need to overwinter for floral initiation, and self-incompatibility, warrant special procedures to ensure healthy growth and good seed set. This chapter attempts to provide sources for acccessions and standard protocols for plant growth and seed harvest of wild crucifers while providing special tips for species with which we have experience.