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Genetic Regulation of Linolenic Acid Concentration in Rapeseed¹

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) contains a relatively high level of linolenic acid. The flavor and nutritional quality of rapeseed oil could be improved by reducing linolenic acid content through plant breeding. Therefore, a study was conducted to show whether genetic regulation of linolenic acid concentration in two rapeseed mutants, M₄₃ and M₃₆₄, was determined by the genotype of the embryo, maternal influence, or cytoplasmic factors. Reciprocal crosses were made between the mutants. The reciprocal F₁ plants and the mutants were mated in all possible two-way combinations. The concentration of linolenic acid was measured in triacylglycerol and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol from F₁ seed. These glycerolipids were synthesized by different pathways and accounted for 95% of the linolenic acid in the rapeseed mutants. It was found that the concentration of linolenic acid in triacylglycerol was determined by nuclear and cytoplasmic gene interaction, whereas linolenic acid in monogalactosyl diacylglyceroi was determined by cytoplasmic factors. Therefore, it appeared that at least two different genetic mechanisms governed linolenic acid synthesis in these seed. Although the control of linolenic acid synthesis may be complex, a more complete understanding of the genetics of this trait should aid the development of improved cultivars with low levels of linolenic acid.

Key Words: Brassica napus L. • Linolenic acid • Inheritance • Fatty acid composition • Seed • Oil quality

² Associate professor, Inst. of Crop Science and Plant Breeding, Univ. of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, 2300 Kid, F.R. Germany; professor of crop science, North Carolina State Univ., and supervisory plant physiologist, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620, respectively.

Received for publication March 3, 1986.

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