The broccoli we buy in stores today has much less genetic variety than the old-fashioned types grown in southern Italy, meaning farmers have lost a lot of natural diversity by breeding for uniformity.

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Evidence from Studies

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From landrace to modern hybrid broccoli: the genomic and morphological domestication syndrome within a diverse B. oleracea collection.

Cross-Sectional Study

Scientists found that old, traditional broccoli varieties have nearly five times more unique genetic differences than modern hybrid broccoli, meaning breeders have made modern broccoli more similar to each other by picking just a few traits to improve.

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Source Study

From landrace to modern hybrid broccoli: the genomic and morphological domestication syndrome within a diverse B. oleracea collection.

Score: 37

DOI: 10.1038/s41438-020-00375-0

Similar Assertions

Sprouting broccoli has way more unique genetic variants than store-bought broccoli, making it a treasure trove for breeders trying to add new traits.

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Scientists found 53 spots in the broccoli genome where genetic variation has been wiped out — likely because breeders picked plants with certain traits so often that other versions disappeared.

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The DNA of modern broccoli has more A and T building blocks than older types — a pattern also seen in corn and soybeans, likely from long-term breeding.

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A specific spot on broccoli’s 9th chromosome — which controls when it flowers and how it handles heat — has been heavily selected by breeders, making it a key target for improvement.

74%

Modern broccoli’s genes stay linked together over much longer stretches of DNA than in purple cauliflower, meaning breeders have been mating very similar plants for generations.

73%