New Brassica Variety as Natural Resources for Industry

Based on genetic background studies, B. rapa, B. juncea and B. carinata belongs to Brassica genome and are known as A, B and C genome, respectively. Interspecific hybridization was extensively used to develop new varieties which have useful traits in biotic and abiotic benefits such as drought tolerance and higher oil content. B. napus (AACC) is well known hybridized species of cross B. rapa (AA) and B. carinata (CC). We have been developing new varieties by conventional breeding and biotechnology in Brassica to increase tolerance to abiotic stresses and oil content as well as changing the fatty acid composition. By the crossing B. rapa and B. carinata, we have new varieties designated as CI100-1, 100-2 and 100-3. Among them, CI100-3 has 63.6% of erucic acid as monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, denoted 22:1ω9. Erucic acid is also known as cis-13-docosenoic acid and the trans- isomer is known as brassidic acid. Although erucic acid is known toxic to human consumption, other derivatives of erucic acid have many further uses such as a behenyl alcohol (CH₃(CH₂)₂₁OH) in cosmetic industry, a pour point depressant (enabling liquids to flow at a lower temperature), and a silver behenate in photography. It is also used as an ingredient in appetite suppressants.