Abstract: Since the set up of cabbage research group in Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences nearly 40 years ago, two key technology breakthroughs of self-incompatible lines and male sterile line have been achieved, and 21 new cabbage varieties have been developed, which have been popularized in an area of about 7 million hectares totally. Research work was divided into four stages: from 1970 to the early 1980s, the breakthrough of cabbage heterosis utilization and self-incompatible lines breeding technology, and the development of high-yielding cabbage varieties were major objectives; from 1983 to the early 1990s, breeding varieties with disease resistance and stress resistance were major objectives; from early 1990s to the late 1990s, the breeding of high-quality varieties, and the breakthrough of male sterile line breeding technology were major objectives; since the late 1990s, the combination of biotechnology and conventional technology, the accomplishment of large-scale seed production with cabbage male sterile lines, the development of varieties with good market characters and quality, resistance to head splitting and storage & transportation were major objectives. The successful experiences and the main existing problems for the group were summarized. The major direction and tasks for the group recently also were discussed.

Key words: Cabbage , Heterosis , Breeding technology , Variety development