Relationship of seed quality traits for greenhouse-grown versus field-grown high erucic acid rapesseed: Is seed quality trait selection for greenhouse-grown seed worthwhile?

A study of the relationship of seed quality traits for greenhouse-grown and field-grown seed samples was conducted. Early generation high erucic acid rapeseed (HEAR) cross progeny were grown in the greenhouse, selfed and then the selfed seeds were grown in the field at the University of Manitoba. The oil, protein, erucic acid and glucosinolate concentrations of greenhouse-grown versus field-grown seed samples were compared. There were differences (P ≤ 0.01) between the means of all seed quality traits for greenhouse-grown versus field-grown seed samples. The mean oil, protein and erucic acid concentrations of field-grown seed samples were higher than for greenhouse-grown seed samples. In contrast, the mean glucosinolate concentration of greenhouse-grown seed samples was higher than for field-grown seed samples. Rank correlations between greenhouse-grown seed samples and field-grown seed samples for all seed quality traits were significant but moderate in magnitude. Selection for oil, protein, erucic acid and glucosinolate concentration in greenhouse-grown seed samples dramatically increased the number of high seed quality F 4 families in the field and was successful for all seed quality traits. It is concluded that seed quality selection in greenhouse-grown seed samples is worthwhile and that this procedure could lead to greater efficiencies in Brassica plant breeding programs. Key words: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), oil, protein, erucic acid, glucosinolates