Gene identification and charaterization for oil content in canola

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Canola is Canada's most valuable crop; the canola industry has tripled in last 10 years and it now contributes $26.7 billion to the Canadian economy. Canola is primarily used as an edible vegetable oil although it can be used for other purposes such as biodiesel feed stock. To increase oil content and maximize the benefit of canola production, it is necessary to know what genes are primary targets for increasing oil content in canola breeding. Currently, very few genes underlying oil content in canola have been identified. The objectives are to identify and characterize genes controlling oil content in canola. First, gene mapping will be performed to identify chromosome regions containing the genes with significant contribution to seed oil content in canola. Second, fine mapping of the genes for oil content will be performed and major genetic factors mapped on corresponding chromosome regions. The next step will focus on these chromosome regions through second and third generation sequencing analysis to identify candidate genes for oil content. Finally, the candidate genes will be further analyzed through plant transformation to modify gene expression. Various plant transformation methods will be used to edit the candidate genes so the genes having significant contribution to oil content in canola will be confirmed. The novelty of this research is to understand what genes are involved in oil formation in canola seeds. This genetic information has the potential to allow Canadian canola industry to increase oil content through molecular breeding methods. The results in gene cloning and function analysis can be used to manipulate these confirmed genes for oil content such as molecular marker assisted selection and genomic selection and transfer these genes with major effects on oil content into their new canola cultivars. The new cultivars will produce more canola oil without extra input. This research work will benefit the Canadian canola industry and contribute to the Canadian economy.