Comparison and estimation of glucosinolate levels in Australian rapeseed cultivars

Abstract

Seven cultivars of rapeseed grown at four sites in New South Wales were evaluated for glucosinolate content. Two samples of each cultivar were further subjected to gas chromatographic analysis to determine the proportions of individual glucosinolate components and 'canola' acceptability. Glucosinolate concentrations varied between cultivars and sites and a significant site x cultivar interaction was found. Some cultivars regarded as being of the 'canola' type did not satisfy the requirement that concentration of the major glucosinolates in seed be less than 30 µmol/g at all sites. The glucose test which was used to measure total concentration of glucosinolates was in good agreement with the gas chromatographic technique which measures the concentrations of individual glucosinolates.