AbstractA survey of recent progress in various biotechnological areas, on various Brassica crops, is presented. Wide hybridization and subsequent culture of embryos, ovaries and ovules can facilitate sexual gene transfer between species. The protoplast fusion technique extends the possibilities of transferring genes between species, even from different genera and tribes, it being independent of sexual incompatibility barriers. Furthermore, somatic hybridization provides novel possibilities for modifying the organelle composition of plants. Genetic engineering for crop improvements and fundamental studies in plant biology involve isolation of genes, studies of gene expression and gene regulation. In order to change or improve agronomically desirable traits, or to investigate further specific gene functions, methods for transfer of cloned genes into plants have developed. Furthermore, cryopreservation would enable conservation of genetic material, including genetically modified plants deriving from various biotechnological manipulations.