Oil content and fatty acid composition of the kernels of 31 genotypes of Chinese dwarf cherry [Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok.

Abstract

SUMMARYWith rising consumer demand for plant oils, several attempts have been made to find new oilseed plants or to genetically modify the fatty acid compositions of existing species. We have examined the potential of a new oilseed plant that has a nutritionally and industrially beneficial fatty acid composition in its kernel oil. The oil contents and fatty acid compositions of mature kernels from 31 genotypes of Chinese dwarf cherry [Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok] were determined. Correlations among different fatty acids and oil contents were examined to create an understanding of their inter-relations for future breeding programmes. Total oil contents ranged from 38.2–46.7% (w/w). Our study revealed five dominant fatty acids in the kernel oil of Chinese dwarf cherry. The predominant fatty acids were oleic acid [57.08–76.19% (w/w)] and linoleic acid [20.06–37.75% (w/w)], followed by palmitic acid [3.19–4.76% (w/w)], palmitoleic acid [0.25–0.72% (w/w)], and stearic acid [0.09–0.12% (w/w)]. Total oil contents were negatively correlated with palmitic and stearic acid contents, and positively correlated with oleic acid content. A significant negative correlation was found between the concentrations of linoleic acid (C18:2) and oleic acid (C18:1; r = -0.996). These results showed that selecting for high total oil content in Chinese dwarf cherry kernels should lead to a concomitant reduction in palmitic and stearic acid contents, and an increase in oleic acid levels.