Did you know that broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are all the same species?  Just like dogs are highly-diverse members of the same species descended from a common ancestor, the members of Brassica oleracea also share a common genetic origin.  In this episode I’m joined by Dr. J. Chris Pires and his graduate students Makenzie Mabry and Shawn Abrahams from the University of Missouri.  We discuss the genetic origins of these crops, their evolution and genetic improvement trends.  Follow them on Twitter at @KenzieMabry @AbrahamsRS @JChrisPires and via the website https://pires.biology.missouri.edu/ # COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.