No abstract

One of the goals in oilseed rape breeding is the identification of genotypes with low linolenic acid content in seed oil. Here, we present new genetic markers for mutant alleles of a chemically induced low linolenic rapeseed line DH219/05. Genomic clones comprising fatty acids desaturase 3 (FAD3) genes from the mutant and wild-type rapeseed lines were sequenced. Two statistically important single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected: (1) a C to T substitution in the third position of the sixth codon of the seventh exon in the BnaA.FAD3 gene and (2) a G to A transition in the 5¢ splice donor site of the sixth intron in the BnaC.FAD3 gene. Allele-specific SNP markers were designed involving detection of the wild-type and mutant alleles by SNaPshot analysis and locus-specific PCR primers. Strong negative correlation between the presence of mutant alleles in the A and C genomes and linolenic acid content was revealed by analysis of variance. Sequence analysis of transcript variants confirmed predictions on possible negative effects of mutations on FAD3 gene expression.

Fatty acids and their composition in seeds determine oil value for nutritional or industrial purposes and also affect seed germination as well as seedling establishment. To better understand the genetic basis of seed fatty acid biosynthesis in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) we applied a genome-wide association study, using 91,205 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) characterized across a mapping population with high-resolution skim genotyping by sequencing (SkimGBS). We identified a cluster of loci on chromosome A05 associated with oleic and linoleic seed fatty acids. The delineated genomic region contained orthologs of the Arabidopsis thaliana genes known to play a role in regulation of seed fatty acid biosynthesis such as Fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase B (FATB) and Fatty Acid Desaturase (FAD5). This approach allowed us to identify potential functional genes regulating fatty acid composition in this important oil producing crop and demonstrates that this approach can be used as a powerful tool for dissecting complex traits for B. napus improvement programs.

The world-wide demand for additional protein sources for human nutrition and animal feed keeps rising due to rapidly growing world population. Oilseed rape is a second important oil producing crop and the by-product of the oil production is a protein rich meal. The protein in rapeseed meal finds its application in animal feed and various industrial purposes, but its improvement is of great interest, especially for non-ruminants and poultry feed. To be able to manipulate the quality and quantity of seed protein in oilseed rape, understanding genetic architecture of seed storage protein (SSPs) synthesis and accumulation in this crop species is of great interest. For this, application of modern molecular breeding tools such as whole genome sequencing, genotyping, association mapping, and genome editing methods implemented in oilseed rape seed protein improvement would be of great interest. This review examines current knowledge and opportunities to manipulate of SSPs in oilseed rape to improve its quality, quantity and digestibility.

The aim of the conducted investigations was to determine the effect of drying temperature on the changes in free fatty acid, phytosterol and tocopherol (T) contents in yellow‐seeded Brassica napus oils. Seeds were dried in a thin layer at 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120°C. Changes in phytosterols were assessed using GC‐MS, while tocopherols were assessed by HPLC. Degradation of phytosterols and tocopherols and an increased content of free fatty acids followed the applied drying temperature. During drying at 40 and 60°C, changes were statistically non‐significant, while at 120°C, losses of phytosterols reached 29% and tocopherols 23%. Practical applications: Drying of rapeseeds is an important stage of its production. However, we need to remember that these seeds are biological material highly sensitive to thermal treatment. Thus we need to search for the most advantageous conditions for their drying, with special emphasis on the preservation of bioactive components affecting human health. The analyses conducted compared the range of losses of bioactive components—phytosterols, tocopherols and plastochromanol‐8 during drying. Yellow‐seeded Brassica napus were dried in a thin layer at 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120°C. The effect of drying temperature on the free fatty acid, phytosterol and tocopherol content changes in oils was determined. Degradation of phytosterols, tocopherols and the increase in free fatty acid content were related to the applied drying temperature.