BoCER1 is essential for the synthesis of cuticular wax in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)

Leafy head color is a very important trait in cabbage breeding. In previous studies, BoCER1 was identified as a candidate gene that was found to be closely related to the glossy phenotype in cabbage lines 10Q-961 and g21-3. In this study, we found that the BoCER1 was expressed in all cabbage tissues, except roots. Moreover, to determine the function of BoCER1 in cabbage, the gene editing vector CRISPR-BoCER1 was constructed and transformed into the wildtype cabbage 'CW1'. Three plants with edited genomes were obtained: CW1-1, CW1-2 and CW1-3. Scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses of CW1-3 showed that the wax content was significantly reduced compared with the wildtype. The results showed that BoCER1 plays an important role in the biosynthesis of cuticular wax in cabbage. Moreover, the wax-less material created by CRISPR/Cas9 could be used for the breeding of brilliant green cabbage.