Comparison of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes with respect to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids

The aim of our work was to characterize linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes divided into groups with high and low content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Out of 32 linseed genotypes, 68.75 % represented high alpha-linolenic genotypes and 31.25 % were genotypes with low ALA content. Proportional representation of fatty acids was realized according to the norm (Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing, 1994). Oil content was analyzed according to the internal methodology of Agritec Ltd., based on the norm (Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing, 2011). The content of total fat ranged from 36.22 % to 46.35 %, that of ALA from 1.10 % to 65.20 %, and that of linoleic acid (LA) from 11.10 % to 75.00 % in the analyzed seed samples within all groups. The genotypes were divided also according to the seed color and a linear correlation between all three parameters within these groups was observed. Negative linear dependence was confirmed between parameters; ALA and LA content in the groups: high ALA brown seed (p < 0.0001; correlation coefficient (r) = -0.70), and high ALA yellow seed (p < 0.001; r = -0.36). Also, positive linear dependence between the total fat and the LA content in the groups: low ALA brown seed (p < 0.001; r = 0.34); low ALA yellow seed (p < 0.0001; r = 0.62), was found.