Morphological evaluation of olive germplasm present in Tuscany region

Undesirable characteristic of rapeseed oil is a relatively high level of linolenic acid (18:3), which is easily oxidized leading to rancidity and a shortened shelf life of the oil. Previous attempts to reduce linolenic acid levels in rapeseed oil through breeding have been impaired by complex genetics and strong environmental sensitivity of this trait. Therefore, our objective was to develop molecular markers for low linolenic acid that could facilitate the breeding of low linolenic rapeseed. Bulked segregant analysis was employed to identify two RAPD markers associated with 18:3 in a doubled haploid population segregating for linolenic and erucic acid levels. Based on analysis of individual DH lines, the markers RM350 and RM574, representing two independent loci, accounted for a total of 39% of the genetic variability in this population. This marker RM350 alone accounted for 25% genetic variation for this trait with no evidence of recombination. Significant interlocus interaction found between the markers RM350 and RM574 suggested that epistasis was involved in the genetic control of 18:3 level in this population. Another marker designated as RM322, which was independent of the other two, was found significantly associated with the erucic acid level and oil content. RAPD markers identified in this study should be a useful tool for the early detection of low linolenic, or low or high erucic acid genotypes in rapeseed breeding programs based on doubled haploids. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.