Capillary gas chromatography analysis of Ethiopian mustard to determine variability of fatty acid composition

Abstract

AbstractEthiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is an oil crop grown in Ethiopia. However, the oil is considered low quality, as it contains long chain monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly erucic acid. High erucic acid content is beneficial for the polymer industry, whereas low erucic acid is recommended for food purposes. Both linoleic and linolenic acids are essential fatty acids; however, less than 3% linolenic acid is preferred for oil stability. The objectives of this study were to determine fatty acid composition of Ethiopian mustard to determine the range of genetic diversity for these traits. The genotypes were analysed by capillary gas chromatography (CGC). Twenty‐six fatty acids were identified. In all accessions, the predominant fatty acids were erucic, linoleic, α‐linolenic and oleic, followed by gadoleic and palmitic. To a lesser extent stearic, vaccinic, nervonic and behenic acids were found in all accessions. Significant correlations were found between palmitic acid and stearic acid (positive), between erucic acid and palmitic, stearic, vaccinic, oleic, linoleic and α‐linolenic acids (negative) and eicosenoic acid (positive). Selection and hybridization techniques can be applied to modify the oil content of Ethiopian mustard, considering the variability observed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry