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Publisher Summary Spinach, Spinacia oleracea L. (2n = 12), is an important leafy vegetable, of which the leaves and tender shoots are consumed fresh or processed. Spinach is native to central Asia, most probably Persia (Iran). Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) belongs to the family Chenopodiaceae. Spinach is annual for leaf production and biennial for seed production. It produces rosettes of fleshy leaves, which may be crinkled or smooth in the vegetative phase; later, the stem elongates and forms flower stalks during the reproductive phase, with narrow, pointed leaves. This chapter discusses the cytology and genetics of spinach. Spinacia oleracea L. contains 2n = 12 chromosomes. Sex expression in spinach is controlled by a single pair of sex chromosomes (XY). The main objectives of spinach improvement are high yield, good quality of green leaf, uniformity, and resistance to major diseases. Breeding methods applicable to the improvement of cross-fertilizing vegetable crops may also be applicable to spinach improvement. Population improvement methods such as recurrent selection, mass selection, and progeny testing are suitable for the development of new variation. The chapter discusses the objectives for breeding spinach and the breeding methods used in the breeding of this vegetable. |
