MATERNAL EFFECTS ON THE EXPRESSION OF INDIVIDUAL ALIPHATIC GLUCOSINOLATES IN SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS OF BRASSICA-NAPUS

An investigation into the glucosinolate profile of seed and leaf tissue of F1 hybrids from reciprocal crosses between B. napus 'Cobra' and a synthetic B. napus line was undertaken to test hypotheses concerning the site of biosynthesis of seed glucosinolates. The profile of the seed aliphatic glucosinolates was identical to the maternal parent suggesting the absence of glucosinolate biosynthesis and glucosinolate interconversion within the embryo and the transfer of fully formed glucosinolates from maternal tissue into the developing seed. In cotyledons, while there was no evidence for de novo glucosinolate biosynthesis, there was evidence for side chain modification and the interconversion of existing glucosinolates. In true leaves, the glucosinolate profile of the reciprocal F1 hybrids were identical, and in accordance with that expected from the F1 genotype.