Marker-assisted increase of genetic diversity in a double-low seed quality winter oilseed rape genetic background

Generation of novel genetic diversity for maximization of heterosis in hybrid production is a significant goal in winter oilseed rape breeding. Here, we demonstrate that doubled haploid (DH) production using microspore cultivation can simultaneously introgress favourable alleles for double-low seed quality (low erucic acid and low-glucosinolate content) into a genetically diverse Brassica napus genetic background. The DH lines were derived from a cross between a double-low quality winter rapeseed variety and a genetically diverse semisynthetic B. napus line with high erucic acid and high glucosinolates (+ + quality). Twenty-three low-glucosinolate lines were identified with a genome component of 50-67% derived from the + + parent. Four of these lines, with a genome component of 50-55% derived from the + + parent, also contained low erucic acid. Heterosis for seed yield was confirmed in test-crosses using these genetically diverse lines as pollinator. The results demonstrate the potential of marker-assisted identification of novel genetic pools for breeding of double-low quality winter oilseed rape hybrids.