Identification of QTL for oil content, seed yield, and flowering time in oilseed rape ( Brassica napus )

A genetic map was constructed with 353 sequence-related amplified polymorphism and 34 simple sequence repeat markers in oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.). The map consists of 19 linkage groups and covers 1,868 cM of the rapeseed genome. A recombinant doubled haploid (DH) population consisting of 150 lines segregating for oil content and other agronomic traits was produced using standard microspore culture techniques. The DH lines were phenotyped for days to flowering, oil content in the seed, and seed yield at three locations for 3 years, generating nine environments. Data from each of the environments were analyzed separately to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these three phenotypic traits. For oil content, 27 QTL were identified on 14 linkage groups; individual QTL for oil content explained 4.20–30.20% of the total phenotypic variance. For seed yield, 18 QTL on 11 linkage groups were identified, and the phenotypic variance for seed yield, as explained by a single locus, ranged from 4.61 to 24.44%. Twenty-two QTL were also detected for days to flowering, and individual loci explained 4.41–48.28% of the total phenotypic variance.