International researchers break rapeseed genetic code

An international group of scientists has successfully deciphered the complex rapeseed genome.

A consortium of more than 30 research institutes, coordinated by scientists at the French national research agency, INRA, and other genetics-focused agencies, were involved in the project. The breakthrough will speed up ongoing breeding efforts of the crop to benefit animal and human nutrition, said INRA.

"We have discovered the mechanism by which the levels of glucosinolates, which make the crop less nutritious for livestock, can be reduced. Our breakthrough will also help crop scientists in their efforts to make oilseed rape more resistant to disease, improve yield and its take-up of nitrogen from the soil, thereby improving its environmental profile," said INRA's Boulos Chalhoub who coordinated the international research project.

Rapeseed has one of the most complex genomes among flowering plants. "The gene number is four times that of the human genome," said Chalhoub. He added that from the research for the past five years, 1,600 genes have been detected to affect oil-based synthesis, findings which again will support researchers aiming to develop rapeseed variants rich in omega-3 for human and animal feed needs.

The research project's results were published in the journal Science last month.