Rapeseed breeding for multiple uses assisted by biotechnological tools at Novi Sad

Abstract

Rapeseed is not only one of the most important edible oil source, but also raw material for industry and feed. Furthermore, it has proven to be very efficient in remediation of heavy metal polluted soils. Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (IFVCNS) has more than 20 year long tradition of rapeseed breeding during which more than 30 spring type varieties and lines, as well as more than a 1000 winter type varieties and lines have been developed. Proper examination and exploitation of such collection requires use of a multidisciplinary approach. By use of in vitro tests, we have analyzed tolerance of chosen rapeseed genotypes to heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. The most tolerant genotypes from NS gene pool, which have proven to have stable and high oil yield and composition in different field experiments, were included in NS rapeseed hybrid breeding program and have been used as components for rapeseed hybrid production.