AFLP markers linked to seed quality traits in Brassica juncea

Canola quality Brassica juncea has been under development at the Saskatoon Research Centre for several years. Breeding efforts have focused on the development of germplasm with improved seed quality characteristics including superior fatty acid profiles, low glucosinolates and high oil content. Future breeding efforts in this crop would be greatly facilitated through the development of molecular markers for genes controlling seed quality traits. A mapping population was developed from the cross between a mustard quality B. juncea line and a canola quality B. juncea line. Seventy five doubled haploids from this cross were grown in the field in Saskatchewan over two years and assessed for seed quality characteristics. A bulked segregant analysis was performed on DNA from bulked DH samples. The bulks were selected based on the field data. A bulked segregant analysis using AFLP was performed in an attempt to discover linked markers for glucosinolate content (butenyl glucosinolates, allyl glucosinolates), fatty acids (erucic acid, oleic acid), oil content and thousand kernel weight. Several potential AFLP markers linked to the genes controlling these traits were identified through the bulked segregant analysis and these markers will be mapped and used to develop PCR based markers for use in the plant breeding program.