162 – II.3. BRASSICA CROPS (BRASSICA SPP.)
B. rapa subsp. dichotoma, commonly referred to as toria, is an oilseed form grown on
the Indian sub-continent. Morphologically it is indistinguishable from the spring form of
B. rapa subsp. oleifera. Other forms grown on the sub-continent are termed yellow and
brown sarson (B. rapa subsp. trilocularis). These forms have broad siliques containing
larger seeds than toria. However, yellow sarson is distinguished by its introse anthers,
self-compatibility and pure yellow seeds.
Figure 3.9. Growth stages in turnip rape (B. rapa)
Stages: 0: pre-emergence; 1: seedling; 2: rosette; 3: bud; 4: flower; 5: ripening
Source: Harper and Berkenkamp (1975). © Canadian Science Publishing or its licensors.
Figure 3.10. Typical intact and opened siliques of B. napus and B. rapa
Notes: a) B. napus showing intact and opened siliques with seeds of the upper locule exposed, while those of
the lower locule are partially obscured by the lamella. b) Intact and open silique of B. rapa.
Source: Downey (1983). Courtesy AAFC Reseach Station, Saskatoon (Photographer R.E. Underhood).
