Canela

Objective

The primary objectives of the project include:

• Validating a new reduced saturated fatty acid trait in canola and generating pre-breeding lines along with molecular markers.
• Screening a Brassica napus mutagenesis population for oil profile traits.
• Determining why canola quality B. napus does not produce a true zero very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) oil.
• Identifying mutant alleles of BnSDP1 to enhance seed oil content.

Background

Canola oil, derived from the Brassica napus, B. rapa, or B. juncea species, is renowned for its low saturated fatty acid content and high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking, food preparation, and biofuel production. The original rapeseed cultivars were modified to reduce erucic acid and glucosinolates, which were detrimental to animal health and had other adverse effects.

Current Status of Canola Oil

• Canola oil is characterized by its low saturated fatty acid content, typically ranging from 7% to as low as 4.5% in some varieties.
• High oleic (HO) varieties contain up to 80% oleic acid and have virtually zero erucic acid.
• Despite these improvements, conventional and HO canola oils still contain small amounts of VLCFAs, primarily gondoic acid (20:1), which the project aims to minimize.

Research Methodology

• The project utilizes a unique Canadian B. napus genetic diversity resource, specifically a chemical mutagenesis (Ethylmethanesulfonate, EMS) population developed by Dr. George Haughn and maintained by Dr. Raju Datla at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan.
• The research involves validating existing traits, screening the mutagenesis population for additional diversity, and identifying genetic factors controlling seed oil composition and content.

Goals

• To deliver new variant alleles of genes involved in seed oil synthesis that could improve oil composition and content.
• To maintain the market advantages of canola oil by enhancing its quality and homogeneity for industrial use.
• To reduce VLCFAs, improve cloud point, and increase oleic acid content, making the oil more suitable for various applications.

Funding and Duration

• The project is funded by SaskCanola with an investment of $127,600.
• The total project cost is $127,600, with no additional funding partners mentioned.
• The project is set to run for three years, starting in 2024.

Significance

• The project aims to leverage genetic diversity to further optimize canola oil profiles, which is crucial in a highly competitive market.
• Improvements in oil composition can enhance the oil's suitability for food, biofuel, and industrial applications.
• The research also contributes to the broader goal of maintaining the sustainability and market competitiveness of the Canadian canola industry.

Context within the Canola Industry

• Canola is a significant crop in Canada, known for its health benefits, high oil content, and environmental sustainability.
• Almost all canola grown in Canada is genetically modified, primarily for herbicide tolerance, with some newer varieties engineered for modified fatty acid profiles.
• The project aligns with the industry's focus on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in crop and oil quality.