GLC analysis of Indian rapeseed-mustard to study the variability of fatty acid composition

Rapeseed-mustard is one of the most economically important oilseed crops in India. Speciality oils having high amounts of a specific fatty acid are of immense importance for both nutritional and industrial purposes. Oil high in oleic acid has demand in commercial food-service applications due to a long shelf-life and cholesterol-reducing properties. Both linoleic and linolenic acids are essential fatty acids; however, less than 3% linolenic acid is preferred for oil stability. High erucic acid content is beneficial for the polymer industry, whereas low erucic acid is recommended for food purposes. Therefore, it is important to undertake systematic characterization of the available gene pool for its variable fatty acid profile to be utilized for specific purposes. In the present study the Indian rapeseed-mustard germplasm and some newly developed low-erucic-acid strains were analysed by GLC to study the fatty acid composition in these lines. The GLC analysis revealed that the rapeseed-mustard varieties being commonly grown in India are characterized by high erucic acid content (30-51%) in the oil with low levels of oleic acid (13-23%). However, from among the recently developed low-erucic-acid strains, several lines were identified with comparatively high oleic acid (60-70%), moderate to high linoleic acid (13-40%) and low linolenic acid (< 10%) contents. Work is in progress at TERI (New Delhi, India) to utilize these lines for development of strains with particular fatty acid compositions for specific purposes.     

高油酸油菜遗传育种研究进展

油酸（C18∶1）是双低菜籽油的主要脂肪酸之一,合理的高油酸菜籽油脂肪酸组分更有利于人体健康,因此提高油酸含量是双低油菜品质育种的一个重要方向。当前我国高油酸油菜品种选育相关研究进展缓慢,高油酸菜籽油产业化进程急需提速。围绕高油酸油菜主要从四个方面开展论述：国内外利用理化方法成功创建的油菜高油酸种质资源及其高油酸性状遗传模式;油菜高油酸性状的控制基因及其突变位点;世界上高油酸品种的培育以及我国高油酸品种的发展趋势;当前高油酸品种的不足及今后高油酸油菜品种的改良途径。为油菜育种工作者较全面地展示了国际上高油酸油菜在遗传育种方面的研究成果,也为今后我国高油酸油菜的进一步发展提供了参考。     

Tomato genetic resources and activities in Poland

The vegetables germplasm conservation programme in Poland was started in 1982, activities under this program resulted up to this date in building up a tomato germplasm collection of 782 accessions that are available for distribution to breeders and researchers in Poland and abroad. Between 1990 and 1999 we distributed 651 tomato seed samples to breeders and scientists in Poland, and 95 samples to users abroad. During 1990 – 1999 the 652 tomato accessions were evaluated for 43 traits of plants and fruits. Work is in progress to expand the collection and identify useful characteristics of the collected material, and to make use of them in breeding and other research works.     

Genetic enhancement of Brassica napus seed quality

The ultimate value of the Brassica napus (canola) seed is derived from the oil fraction, which has long been recognized for its premium dietary attributes, including its low level of saturated fatty acids, high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, and favorable omega-3 fatty acid profile. However, the protein (meal) portion of the seed has also received favorable attention for its essential amino acids, including abundance of sulfur-containing amino acids, such that B. napus protein is being contemplated for large scale use in livestock and fish feed formulations. Efforts to optimize the composition of B. napus oil and protein fractions are well documented; therefore, this article will review research concerned with optimizing secondary metabolites that affect the quality of seed oil and meal, from undesirable anti-nutritional factors to highl value beneficial products. The biological, agronomic, and economic values attributed to secondary metabolites have brought much needed attention to those in Brassica oilseeds and other crops. This review focuses on increasing levels of beneficial endogenous secondary metabolites (such as carotenoids, choline and tochopherols) and decreasing undesirable antinutritional factors (glucosinolates, sinapine and phytate). Molecular genetic approaches are given emphasis relative to classical breeding.     

Identification of high seed oil yield and high oleic acid content in Brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.)

Cucurbita moschata D. seed oil contains approximately 75% unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoids, constituting a promising food in nutritional terms. In addition, the Brazilian germplasm of C. moschata exhibits remarkable variability, representing an important source for the genetic breeding of this vegetable and other cucurbits. The present study evaluated the productivity and profile of the seed oil of 91C. moschata accessions from different regions of Brazil maintained in the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). A field experiment was conducted between January and July 2016. The accessions showed high genetic variability in terms of characteristics related to seed oil productivity (SOP), such as the weight of seeds per fruit and productivity of seeds, providing predicted selection gains of 29.39 g and 0.26 t ha^?1, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, a greater SOP can be achieved while maintaining a high oleic acid concentration and low linoleic acid concentration, providing oil of better nutritional and chemical quality. In the variability analysis, the accessions were clustered into five groups, which had different averages for SOP and fatty acid concentration of seed oil, an approach that will guide the use of appropriate germplasm in programs aimed at genetic breeding for SOP and seed oil profile. Per se analysis identified BGH-4610, BGH-5485A, BGH-6590, BGH-5556A, BGH-5472A, and BGH-5544A as the most promising accessions in terms of SOP, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 0.20 t ha^?1. The most promising accessions for a higher oleic acid concentration of seed oil were BGH-5456A, BGH-3333A, BGH-5361A, BGH-5472A, BGH-5544A, BGH-5453A, and BGH-1749, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 30%, almost all of which were also the most promising in terms of a lower linoleic acid concentration of the seed oil, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 45%. Part of the C. moschata accessions evaluated in the present study can serve as a promising resource in genetic breeding programs for SOP and fatty acid profile, aiming at the production of oil with better nutritional and physicochemical quality.     

Seed characteristics and fatty acid composition of castor (<i>Ricinus communis</i> L.) varieties in Northeast China

Oil content and fatty acid composition were investigated on 12 castor varieties and strains by using the soxhlet extraction method and capillary gas chromatography. This was made to provide a reference and theoretical basis for castorbean breeding with high oil content, determine variability of seed compounds for breeding purposes, and broaden chemical material choices. Results revealed that crude fat percentage in seeds ranged from 18.91 to 35.84% with an average of 25.91%; the absolute content of ricinoleic acid varied between 171.65 g/kg and 314.03 g/kg with an average of 222.43 g/kg, and kernel crude fat percentage was between 24.28 and 46.97% with an average of 34.30%. All these study variables were highest in the 2129 strain. The percentage of ricinoleic acid in crude fat was between 83.85 to 87.62%, and the highest value was found in the zhebi4 accession. The other fatty acids appeared in small concentrations, and showed small amplitude: 1.12 to 1.61%, 1.21 to 1.61%, 3.53 to 4.80%, 5.35 to 6.38%, 0.52 to 0.79%, 0.05 to 0.08% and 0.43 to 0.55%, for palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolic, linolenic, arachidic, and arachidonic acids, respectively. One hundred seed weight was determined for each accession. One hundred seed weight ranged from 25.7 g to 34.0 g with an average of 29.9 g. There was a significant correlation between seed weight and oil content, but the correlation value was low (r=0.51). Cluster analysis by SSPS based on the content of fatty acid composition revealed that the accessions were divided into three independent clusters. These findings will clearly provide useful information for further research in breeding and utilization of castor oil.     

张掖市不同海拔地区5个胡麻品种品质特性比较分析

胡麻是甘肃省主要经济作物之一,海拔2 400 m以下的河西地区为甘肃高产区。为探明张掖不同海拔高度对胡麻品质特性的影响和不同胡麻品种的最佳种植区域,利用近红外品质分析仪,分析了张掖市4个不同海拔地区5个胡麻品种的常规品质指标、饱和脂肪酸和不饱和脂肪酸的含量差异。结果表明：蛋白质、粗脂肪、膳食纤维、棕榈酸、十七碳酸、豆蔻酸、二十四碳酸、油酸和α-亚麻酸含量的品种和海拔间互作效应极显著(P<0.01);山嵛酸、棕榈油酸、顺-11-二十碳一烯酸、亚油酸、γ-亚麻酸和顺-11,14,17-二十碳三烯酸含量随海拔高度不同,变化较小,稳定性好。在高含油量育种目标的基础上,兼顾高三大主要不饱和脂肪酸（α-亚麻酸、油酸和亚油酸）、低两大饱和脂肪酸（棕榈酸和硬脂酸）以及高蛋白质等其他品质育种目标的角度考虑,在张掖市甘州区、高台县巷道镇和民乐县三堡镇、民乐县六坝镇,最适宜种植的胡麻品种分别是5-9812-2-1、09-3-11、张亚2号。不同海拔高度对胡麻各品质指标具有重要影响,张掖市作为优质胡麻籽生产基地,可利用不同胡麻品种适宜种植区域不同,大力发展胡麻籽品质育种和胡麻籽综合开发等。     

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for oil and protein contents and their relationships with other seed quality traits in Brassica juncea

A detailed RFLP-genomic map was used to study the genetics of oil, seed and meal protein and sum of oil and seed/meal protein contents in a recombinant doubled-haploid population developed by crossing black- and yellow-seeded Brassica juncea lines. Two yellow seed color genes (SC-B4, SC-A6) and one QTL for erucic acid content (E_1b) showed pleiotropic effect for oil, protein and sum of oil and seed/meal protein contents. Six (O-A1, O-A6, O-A9, O-B3, O-B4, O-B5) and five (SP-A1, SP-A9, SP-B4, SP-B6, SP-C) QTLs were significant for oil and seed protein contents, respectively. Tight linkage of three of these QTLs (SP-A1, SP-A9, SP-B4, O-A1, O-A9, O-B4), with opposite effects, poses challenge to the plant breeders for simultaneous improvement of negatively correlated (r = −0.7**) oil and seed protein contents. However, one QTL for oil content (O-B3) and two for seed protein content (SP-B6, SP-C) were found to be unlinked, which offer the possibility for simultaneous improvement of these two traits. QTLs significant for meal protein (MP-A1, MP-A6, MP-A9, MP-B5, MP-B6) were significant at least for oil, seed protein or sum of oil and seed/meal protein contents (T-A6, T-A7, T-B4, T-B5). Sum of oil and seed protein contents and sum of oil and meal protein contents had a perfect correlation, as well as same epistatic interactions and QTLs with similar additive effect. This indicates that protein in seed or meal has practically the same meaning for breeding purposes. Epistatic interactions were significant for the quality traits, and their linkage reflected association among the traits.     

Selective Enrichment of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Oils by Phospholipase A1

Omega fatty acids are recognized as key nutrients for healthier ageing. Lipases are used to release ω-3 fatty acids from oils for preparing enriched ω-3 fatty acid supplements. However, use of lipases in enrichment of ω-3 fatty acids is limited due to their insufficient specificity for ω-3 fatty acids. In this study use of phospholipase A1 (PLA1), which possesses both sn-1 specific activity on phospholipids and lipase activity, was explored for hydrolysis of ω-3 fatty acids from anchovy oil. Substrate specificity of PLA1 from Thermomyces lenuginosus was initially tested with synthetic p-nitrophenyl esters along with a lipase from Bacillus subtilis (BSL), as a lipase control. Gas chromatographic characterization of the hydrolysate obtained upon treatment of anchovy oil with these enzymes indicated a selective retention of ω-3 fatty acids in the triglyceride fraction by PLA1 and not by BSL. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy based position analysis of fatty acids in enzyme treated and untreated samples indicated that PLA1 preferably retained ω-3 fatty acids in oil, while saturated fatty acids were hydrolysed irrespective of their position. Hydrolysis of structured triglyceride,1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol, suggested that both the enzymes hydrolyse the fatty acids at both the positions. The observed discrimination against ω-3 fatty acids by PLA1 appears to be due to its fatty acid selectivity rather than positional specificity. These studies suggest that PLA1 could be used as a potential enzyme for selective concentrationof ω-3 fatty acids.     

Molecular approaches for genetic improvement of seed quality and characterization of genetic diversity in soybean: a critical review

Soybean is an economically important leguminous crop. Genetic improvements of soybeans have focused on enhancement of seed and oil yield, development of varieties suited to different cropping systems, and breeding resistant/tolerant varieties for various biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant breeders have used conventional breeding techniques for the improvement of these traits in soybean. The conventional breeding process can be greatly accelerated through the application of molecular and genomic approaches. Molecular markers have proved to be a new tool in soybean breeding by enhancing selection efficiency in a rapid and time-bound manner. An overview of molecular approaches for the genetic improvement of soybean seed quality parameters, considering recent applications of marker-assisted selection and ‘omics’ research, is provided in this article.     

Chemical composition and nutritional value of para-rubber seed and its products for chickens

Para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed and its products were subjected to different methods of processing such as decortication, oil extraction, autoclaving and fermentation and assayed for their chemical composition and nutritional value. Peanut oil meal and yellow maize were also assayed similarly for comparison.

Decortication reduced the crude fibre content, with proportionate increases in other nutrients and energy value. Autoclaving and fermentation failed to improve the nutritional value of undecorticated rubber seed oil meal.

Crude protein content of rubber seed and its products ranged from 11.5% in rubber seeds to 27.4% in commercial decorticated rubber seed oil meal. The oil content of the rubber seeds and kernels was 24.0 and 40.1%, respectively. The available carbohydrate content of rubber seed and its products ranged from 6.3% in rubber seeds to 15.9% in commercial decorticated rubber seed oil meal; these values may be compared with the value of 59.0% for yellow maize.

Both undecorticated and decorticated rubber seed oil meals appeared to be deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids and lysine. The gross protein value of undecorticated and decorticated rubber seed oil meals and peanut oil meal was estimated to be 43.6, 47.0 and 49.7, respectively.

Both undecorticated and decorticated rubber seed oils were rich in oleic and stearic acids, but relatively poor in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, compared with peanut oil.

Determined apparent ME (AME) values were (kcal/g dry matter): rubber seeds, 2.91; kernels, 4.70; undecorticated rubber seed oil meal, 2.00; and decorticated rubber seed oil meal, 2.80. The true ME (TME) values were 3.24, 5.16, 2.22 and 3.00 kcal/g dry matter, respectively. In general, TME values were about 10% higher than the AME values.     

Oil and Seed Meal Quality Indices of Indian Rapeseed-Mustard Varieties

Variation in oil, protein, fatty acid profile, oil stability index, PUFA to SFA, MUFA to PUFA, ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratio and glucosinolate content and their relationships were studied in 50 rapeseed-mustard (Brassica species) varieties. Variability was low for protein and oil content with CV 4.2% and 5.1%, respectively. The highest variation was recorded for oil stability index followed by oleic acid content. Erucic acid ranged from 0.4 % [TERI (00) R- 9903] to 55.3% (NDYS-2). The saturated fatty acids showed a range of 2.5–8.6% and most of the varieties had < 6 %.The maximum (3.05) and minimum (0. 59) ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratio was recorded for TERI (00) R-9903 a variety of gobhi sarson and RTM-314 of taramira, respectively. The highest MUFA to PUFA ratio (3.19) was recorded for variety Parbati of toria. Twelve varieties had PUFA to SFA ratio of > 10.0. All the varieties, in general had high glucosinolate content except GSC- 5, TERI (OE) R-03 and TERI (00) R-9903. Oil stability index had highly significant and positive correlation with oleic acid and MUFA to PUFA ratio. The relationship of oil content was significantly positive with ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratio (r = 0.377**). Protein content and SFA were positively correlated (r = 0.314 *). Erucic acid exhibited negative and significant association with SFA (r = ? 0.293*) and oleic acid (r = ? 0.863**).     

非洲西瓜野生资源的化学成分分析及亲缘关系探讨

对引自非洲博茨瓦纳的１６份西瓜野生资源的有关化学成分进行了分析,同时对它们与栽培西瓜的亲缘关系作了探讨。结果表明,这批西瓜资源的种子脂肪主要由４种脂肪酸组成,即棕榈酸,油酸和亚油酸,其中饱和脂肪酸约占２０％,不饱和脂肪酸约占８０％,两种不饱和脂肪酸含量呈高度负相关。     

Agronomic evaluation of prospective new crop species

Preliminary field evaluations for 162 species are reported. This work represents a portion of a team-oriented effort to develop new crops for American agriculture. These species are potential new oilseed sources of epoxy, crepenynic, erucic, and other fatty acids, and sources of seed gum, steroids, and pulp. Euphorbia lagascae andCephalaria setosa show the most promise for crop development as epoxy acid sources, but both require substantial improvement through breeding.Crepis alpina, a small-seeded species with excellent seed retention, is the best prospect for providing an oil rich in crepenynic acid. A selection and breeding program is under way. None of the species tested as erucic acid sources equalled the crop potential of crambe and selected Brassicas.Briza spicata, a small, moderately productive grass, is the richest known source of glycolipids.B. spicata has been grown successfully as a winter annual at several locations. Earlier maturity and better seedling vigor is needed inSatureja hortensis, a source of oil similar to linseed oil.Xeranthemum annuum, an attractive, winter annual and everlasting, is very good agronomically, but the use of the oil with its mixture of several fatty acids is not economically favorable.Solanum khasianum shows agronomic promise as a source of the steroid, solasodine.Cassia occidentalis, C. bonariensis, Crotalaria leioloba, andC. stipularia are productive potential seed gum sources. These species, especiallyCassia occidentalis, seem to be sufficiently good agronomically to justify intensive breeding. Of the various sources of pulp, emphasis is on kenaf because highyielding, well-adapted varieties are available.Crotalaria juncea merits breeding effort, and other species show sufficient promise for further evaluation.     

Utility of the Arabidopsis FAE1 and yeast SLC1-1 genes for improvements in erucic acid and oil content in rapeseed

High-erucic acid (HEA) Brassica napus cultivars are regaining interest in industrial contexts. Erucic acid and its derivatives are important renewable raw materials utilized in the manufacture of plastic films, in the synthesis of Nylon 13,13, and in the lubricant and emollient industries. Theoretically, the highest level of erucic acid that can be achieved by means of classical breeding is 66 mol%; however, using new approaches on the basis of genetic engineering, it might be possible to develop a B. napus cultivar containing levels of erucic acid significantly above 66 mol% (>80 mol%). In an attempt to increase the amounts of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), and erucic acid in particular, in Canadian HEA B. napus cultivars, we have focused on two targets using a transgenic approach. We examined both the role/function of the Arabidopsis thaliana FAE1 (fatty acid elongase) gene by expressing it under the control of the seed-specific napin promoter in B. napus germplasm with analysis of the changes in VLCFA content in the seed oil of transgenic lines, and the performance of the yeast SLC1-1 (sphingolipid compensation mutant) in B. napus cv. Hero transgenic progeny in the field. Here, we report analyses of the contents of 22:1, total VLCFAand oil in the seed oil, as well as seed yield of the field-grown FAE1 and SLC1-1 B. napus cv. Hero progeny.     

云南红花种质资源主要农艺性状的遗传多样性分析

为加强红花种质资源的研究利用,对筛选出的66份云南红花优异种质资源16个形态性状进行聚类分析与主成分分析。结果表明:云南红花种质资源具有丰富的遗传多样性,多样性指数最高的是果球着粒数,其次是株高、最末分枝高度和千粒重;性状变异系数最大的是分枝总数,其次分别是单株有效果球数和第一分枝高度,最小的为顶果球直径;基于各种质间形态性状的遗传差异,把66份红花种质聚类并划分为6大类群。第Ⅰ类群可作为有增产潜力的亲本材料,第Ⅲ类群可作为高产量目标选育的亲本,第Ⅳ类群可作为大粒型选育亲本,第Ⅴ类群可作为高含油量选育目标亲本,第Ⅵ类群既是大粒型又是高含油量双重选育目标亲本。11个数量性状的主成分分析结果表明,前4个主成分累计贡献率达82.59%,第一主成分反映植株高度,第二主成分反映产量构成因子,第三、第四主成分分别反映千粒重和果球着粒数。研究结果表明云南红花地方种质资源的变异较大,遗传较丰富。     

High-value oils from plants

The seed oils of domesticated oilseed crops are major agricultural commodities that are used primarily for nutritional applications, but in recent years there has been increasing use of these oils for production of biofuels and chemical feedstocks. This is being driven in part by the rapidly rising costs of petroleum, increased concern about the environmental impact of using fossil oil, and the need to develop renewable domestic sources of fuel and industrial raw materials. There is also a need to develop sustainable sources of nutritionally important fatty acids such as those that are typically derived from fish oil. Plant oils can provide renewable sources of high-value fatty acids for both the chemical and health-related industries. The value and application of an oil are determined largely by its fatty acid composition, and while most vegetable oils contain just five basic fatty acid structures, there is a rich diversity of fatty acids present in nature, many of which have potential usage in industry. In this review, we describe several areas where plant oils can have a significant impact on the emerging bioeconomy and the types of fatty acids that are required in these various applications. We also outline the current understanding of the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of seed oil production, and the challenges and potential in translating this knowledge into the rational design and engineering of crop plants to produce high-value oils in plant seeds.     

Genetics and breeding of oilseed crops

Breeding of oilseeds focuses on 3 prime objectives: 1) Selection and breeding needed for the introduction of an established oilseed crop to a new area; 2) oil quantity and quality; and 3) meal quantity and quality. One obvious way of increasing the quantity of both oil and meal is to increase yielding ability of cultivars. Oil content has been increased by reducing the thickness of the ovary wall, where the latter is part of the harvest, and/or the seed coat. Usually, increases in oil content achieved in this way are accompanied by an increase in protein content. Oil quality is measured primarily by fatty acid composition, the ideal fatty acid composition depending on the use of the oil. In rapeseed and mustard species the quality of the oil for edible use has been greatly improved by removing the erucic and eicosenoic acids. In sajflower 2 types of oil are available commercially, one with high levels (75–80%) of linoleic acid and another with high levels (75-80%) of oleic acid, the 2 types having different uses. An added component of oil quality is stability of fatty acid composition over a range of environments. Oilseed meals have been improved by increasing protein content, by changing the amino acid profile of the protein, and by reducing levels of toxic compounds.