Glucosinolate profiles of international rapeseed lines (Brassica napus and Brassica campestris)

Abstract Seed samples from a range of international rapeseed lines (Brassica napus L and B campestris L) were analysed for glucosinolate content using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analytical method provided a total profile consisting of eight different glucosinolates, including those used to define the Canola standard. The data indicated that broad categories of distinct glucosinolate profiles existed among the seed lines analysed. Indole glucosinolate content, expressed as a percentage of total glucosinolate content, was higher in the low glucosinolate lines of B napus. The actual contents of all eight glucosinolates in the seed were variable, particularly gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin and progoitrin. The importance of this HPLC procedure in facilitating selection for high or low contents of individual glucosinolates is discussed.