Genetic control of linolenic acid concentration in seed oil of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Results from a diallel mating of two rapeseed lines with distinctly different linolenic acid concentration show that this trait is mainly under control of nuclear genes of the embryo. However, significant differences in reciprocal F1, BC1 and BC2 indicate maternal control, which is realized by interaction between maternal genotype and nuclear genes of the embryo. Additionally, temperature exerts considerable influence on the degree of maternal control. Since no reciprocal differences are detectable in F2, cytoplasmic factors seem not to be involved in the inheritance of linolenic acid concentration. Hypotheses on the physiological nature of maternal control of this trait are discussed.