Genetic dissection of natural variation in oilseed traits of camelina by whole‐genome resequencing and QTL mapping

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family that is currently being developed as a source of bioenergy and healthy fatty acids. To facilitate modern breeding efforts through marker-assisted selection and biotechnology, we evaluated genetic variation among a worldwide collection of 222 camelina accessions. We performed whole-genome resequencing to obtain single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to analyze genomic diversity. We also conducted phenotypic field evaluations in two consecutive seasons for variations in key agronomic traits related to oilseed production such as seed size, oil content (OC), fatty acid composition, and flowering time. We determined the population structure of the camelina accessions using 161,301 SNPs. Further, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes controlling the above field-evaluated traits by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) complemented with linkage mapping using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Characterization of the natural variation at the genome and phenotypic levels provides valuable resources to camelina genetic studies and crop improvement. The QTL and candidate genes should assist in breeding of advanced camelina varieties that can be integrated into the cropping systems for the production of high yield of oils of desired fatty acid composition. © 2021 The Authors. The Plant Genome published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Crop Science Society of AmericaOpen access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Challenges and opportunities for new industrial oilseed crops in EU-27: A review

The growing demand for renewable feedstock as a substitute for petroleum-derived products offers a unique opportunity for conventional and new oilseeds in Europe. This review compares twenty-four oilseed species relative to oil composition and potential adaptability to different regions of Europe. Widely cultivated species, such as oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), are compared with new species, some of which are well documented in literature, while others are still underdeveloped. The possible geographical allocation in Europe is discussed taking into account physiological and agronomical constraints. Only vernonia (Vernonia galamensis L.) and stokes aster (Stokesia spp.) appear unsuitable to European environments due to obligated photoperiod requirements. Species such as Cuphea spp., echium (Echium plantagineum L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), and euphorbia (Euphorbia lagascae L.) have still considerable physiological constraints, e.g., lack of seed retention, seed dormancy, and indeterminate growth. The scenario for honesty (Lunaria annua L.), lesquerella (Physaria fendleri L.), field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), and calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) is less clear, as the proper agronomic management is still greatly unknown. Finally, Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.), brown mustard (B. juncea L.), crambe (Crambe abyssinica Cranz), meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba L.), and camelina (Camelina sativa L.) emerged as mature oilseed crops for large-scale cultivation and commercialization. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), are cultivated crops worldwide, and their re-introduction into Europe, could probably increase the number of oilseed crops cultivated in a short ter