Rapeseed genetic research to improve its agronomic performance and seed quality

Abstract

Rapeseed (canola) Is the major Canadian oilseed and average annual production was 6,871,600 metric t for the 10-year period 1996-2005. Brassica napus is the only species grown, and only summer annual forms are cultivated in the short season areas of the western Canadian prairie. About 70% of the total production is exported, either as seed (50%) or oil (20%). We utilized inter-specific crosses between B. napus and related species to improve the disease resistance and seed quality of B. napus. We produced yellow-seed forms of B. napus from crosses with B. rapa and B. Juncea which have higher seed oil content, and lower meal fiber content to improve the feed value of the meal. We also produced germplasm with high oleic/low linolenic acid content to improve the nutritional value of canola oil as well as its technological qualities for use in the production of solid fats without trans fatty acids. The content of saturated fats in canola oil was reduced to less than 5% of total fatty acids. Inter-specific methodology was also successful in the development of B. juncea mustard as an edible oilseed crop with high yield, disease resistance and seed quality for production in the semiarid regions of the Canadian prairie. This paper will describe the crossing approaches used to develop this germplasm and discuss future research activities for canola improvement.