Breeding Oil Quality for Edible and Industrial Applications in Oilseed Rape and Linseed

Abstract

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and linseed/flax (Linum usitatissimum) are the predominant oilseeds grown in the temperate climate regions of Canada. The first introductions in Canada of both species were the industrial oil types. Edible oil types were developed in both species to expand markets for these oilseeds and to help meet Canada’s edible oil requirements through domestic oilseed production. The conversion from industrial to edible oil types in both species involved dramatic changes in the fatty acid composition of the oil. To create edible oils, a reduction of erucic acid (C22:1) was required in oilseed rape, while a reduction of linolenic acid (C18:3) was required in flax. Reductions in these targeted fatty acids altered the entire oil profile in both species. Naturally occurring mutations in oilseed rape and EMS-generated mutants in flax were used to develop edible oils in these species. The low erucic acid content in the oil, low glucosinolate content in the meal variant in oilseed rape became canola, a Canadian success story. Several new edible oil profiles have been developed and commercialized in oilseed rape canola. The erucic acid content of industrial oilseed rape oil has been increased dramatically. Major breeding programs in oilseed rape and flax have ensured a continuous supply of new incrementally improved edible and industrial oil-type cultivars in both species. Since the competition for production area for both edible and industrial oil types within and between species is intense, innovation in cultivar development for both oilseed rape and flax in Canada has been dramatic and fast-paced.