Synthesis of low linolenic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L) through protoplast fusion

Brassica napus somatic hybrids with low linolenic acid (18:3) content in their seed oil have been produced using fusion partners screened for low 18:3. One somatic hybrid contained only 3.5% 18:3, a level significantly below the mid-parental mean. The low level of 18:3 proved stable in the R(1) generation. Oil content of the lowest 18:3 selection increased from the mid-parental mean (29.3%) in the R(0) generation to 36% in a R(1) field bulk. The R(1) field population also showed some resistance to shattering.