Characterization of NS rapeseed germplasm collection based on the content of fatty acids and tocopherols

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the most common source of vegetable oils in Europe. One of the main breeding objectives is to create rapeseed genotypes with highly appreciated nutritional characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate fatty acid and tocopherol constituents (α-, β-, γ-tocopherols) in a collection of 49 NS rapeseed genotypes and to identify genotypes with desired content of fatty acids and tocopherols using multivariate statistical methods: principal component, cluster and two-way cluster analysis. Principal Component Analysis revealed 5 PC components with Eigen value >1, which explained 78.70% of the total variability. The PC analysis identified oil quality traits that contributed most to the variation of analyzed genotypes and can be used for facilitating the selection of desirable characteristics in rapeseed breeding. Both cluster analysis and two-way cluster analysis helped the identification of genotypes with similar fatty acid and tocopherol composition. Two main groups could be identified on the dendrogram, the first having two genotypes and the second comprising 44 genotypes. Three genotypes did not belong to any group. The extent of variation within the breeding material was clearly illustrated and the genotypes from one side, and analyzed oil quality traits from the other side, were effectively classified on the heatmap. The obtained results confirmed that classification and characterization of rapeseed germplasm and the selection of superior genotypes for commercialization or as parents in future hybridization program can be effectively performed by using multivariate analysis.