OIL QUALITY IN IRRADIATED SEEDS OF TWO SPECIES OF RAPESEED (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.)

Abstract

Two rapessed M₃ populations derived from the varíetíes Target and Pachuca (Brassica napus and B. campestris) írradíated with Co60, were analyzed in order to detect plants with hígh contents of oíl and low of erucic acid, and to establish the influence of ionizing radiation over these components. High coefficients of variation for oil content were found on the Target and Pachuca irradiated varietíes as compared to control (no irradiated) plants; in addition, high and low contents of erucic acid were detected among irradiated plants; these results are attributed to mutations caused by radiations. lrra diated populations showed a similar behavior than those no irradiated in relation with linoleic acid content and seed yield per plant.