Correlations between gametophytic (pollen) and sporophytic (seed) generations for polyunsaturated fatty acids in oilseed rape Brassica napus L.

Lipids were extracted from the diploid seed and haploid pollen of Brassica napus L. Two fractions of pollen lipids, namely the diploid-specified pollen-coat and the haploid-specified internal cytoplasmic lipids were obtained. Significant correlations exist between pollen and seed generations for linoleic (18∶2) and linolenic (18∶3) acids. In pollen internal storage lipids, the level of 18∶3 is positively correlated and the level of 18∶2 is negatively correlated with the level of 18∶3 in seed lipids. Evidence is presented that strongly supports the hypothesis that lipid biosynthesis occurs within the pollen and that synthesis is specified by haploid genes. These data support the concept of pollen selection, so that selecting among living pollen grains for superior individuals has potential as a new plant breeding tool for improving seed oil quality.