Development of a low glucosinolate, high erucic acid rapeseed breeding program

Abstract

AbstractA breeding program to develop a low glucosinolate, high erucic acid rapeseed cultivar was begun in 1969 at Oregon State University. (This was preceded by the agronomic evaluation of rapeseed as a crop in the years 1966–68). The breeding program initiated in 1969 utilized existing stock with previously established desirable agronomic traits. At the same time, increased plantings of seed stock with variable quantities of glucosinolates and erucic acid were established. Work was conducted during the 1969–71 period on 2Brassica species,B. napus andB. campestris. It was known that erucic acid content was governed by 2 genes, displaying no dominance and acting in an additive manner inB. napus, whereas, inB. campestris, erucic acid synthesis was controlled by a single, non‐dominant gene. The acid composition of the oil was controlled by the genotype of the developing embryo seed on F1 plants which constitutes the F2 population. The “half‐seed” technique developed in Canada was found to be a useful tool to identify high erucic acid genotypes 1 generation earlier than if bulk samples were used. The 1969–71 work revolved around certain specific reciprocal crosses between high erucic, low glucosinolate parents within bothB. napus andB. campestris. This method was successful in increasing or maintaining the erucic acid levels in both species, whereas, only limited success had been noted in lowering the glucosinolate levels. Results so far suggest backcrossing as a useful tool in maintaining a low glucosinolate level while increasing the general agronomic desirability of the crop. Several new valuable sources of germ plasm for high erucic acid and low glucosinolate level have been added to the program. Future plans for changes in the approach and breeding procedures to increase erucic acid and lower glucosinolates level are reviewed.