Abstract:
Different accessions of Sinapis alba were collected from the wild flora of Israel in an attempt to find seeds rich in edible or industrial oils. A genetic variability among eight accessions collected from two geographical locations was demonstrated by RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. A genetic distance between accessions from the two locations was found. Seeds from each accession were subsequently cultivated in three different climatic regions. After one year of cultivation, a diverging effect on the genetic polymorphism was observed. In addition, five genotypes of S. alba which differ in their seed fatty acid composition were analyzed. They range from seeds with oil rich in erucic acid (55%) suitable for industry, to oils low in erucic acid (5%) suitable for human consumption. RAPD analysis revealed a genetic link between S. alba genotypes and their erucic acid content.