Molecular profiling and biochemical characterization of Brassica napus advanced lines for enhanced polyunsaturated fatty acid production

Brassica napus (rapeseed) is a globally significant oilseed crop known for its rich polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, which is essential for human health and industrial applications. This study provides a comprehensive molecular and biochemical characterization of 45 advanced B. napus lines, using 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to explore genetic diversity and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze fatty acid profiles. The seeds, derived from F6 generation crossbreeding of local and Canadian varieties with low erucic acid content, were grown under controlled conditions. Genomic DNA was extracted using a standard CTAB method and analyzed with SSR primers to detect polymorphisms associated with fatty acid synthesis. This study identified BRMS-287 as a novel, highly prevalent marker, detected in 97% of the lines, and highlighted its potential linkage to desirable oil quality traits. Conversely, BRMS-056 showed the lowest average frequency (75%). Fatty acid profiling revealed significant variation in oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid content, with 74% of lines meeting industry standards for low saturated fatty acids (< 7%) and desirable erucic acid levels (< 5%). This research provides new insights into the genetic basis of fatty acid composition in B. napus, highlighting the potential of BRMS-287 marker for breeding programs aimed at enhancing oil quality. The findings suggest a path forward for developing B. napus lines with improved PUFA content and reduced undesirable fatty acids, which could have significant implications for health and industry.