Fatty acid content of seed at different development stages in canola on different soil types with low organic matter

Abstract

Physical and chemical properties of vegetable oils and consequently their use, depend on the composition of fatty acids that accumulate in storage lipids during seed development. The objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of seed development stages and organic matter content of soil on oil fatty acid composition of canola. The experiments were carried out under field conditions on four soils with different organic matter contents. To evaluate seed oil content and fatty acid composition of canola, we harvested plants at six growth stages (GS), GS 75, GS 79, GS 83, GS 87, GS 92 and GS 99 including development of seed, ripening and senescence. The synthesis of oil and fatty acids were largely influenced by seed maturity and soil type. Seeds had maximum content of stearic and palmitic acids at GS 75 (50% of pods reach final size). The seed yield, oil content of seeds and oleic acid percentage of seed oil significantly increased with increasing rate of soil organic matter in canola. This study addresses the organic matter content in poor soils should be ameliorated not only to obtain higher crop yields but also quality production.