Genetic variability of fatty acid content in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) as basis of breeding for oil quality

Abstract

Rapeseed is not only the third largest source of vegetable oil in the world, but is also considered as a source of high quality oil used for various purposes. Since 1991, rapeseed production has shifted to“00” rapeseed cultivars with low content of erucic acid and glucosinolates, achieved through intensive selection which resulted in quite a narrow genetic basis of modern lines and cultivars. The variability of seed tocopherol and fatty acid content in rapeseed cultivars and their F1 generation were the objectives of this study. The material consisted of five distinct rapeseed cultivars, including Orkan, which is not a “00” cultivar. Cultivars were grown in the field together with ten F1 hybrid combinations in three repetitions. The seed tocopherol content was quite variable. Alpha tocopherol content ranged from 176 mg kg-1 to 334 mg kg-1 in cultivars and 200 mg kg-1 to 384 mg kg-1 in hybrids, while gamma tocopherol content also had wider range in F1 (316-440 mg kg-1) than in parents (334-444 mg kg-1).