Abstract
Brassica napus with canola quality represents a major source of energy for both humans and livestock. Since its inception, the value of canola has continued to improve through the development of varieties with desirable traits such as higher oil content, improved fatty acid profile and reduced antinutritional factors such as fiber. Biotechnology approaches, including microspore culture, embryo rescue and molecular markers have offered a wide spectrum of methods for developing superior breeding lines. The incorporation of novel traits has led to the development of stable hybrid systems and herbicide tolerant varieties. Use of the half-seed selection method has facilitated the identification of lines with modified fatty acid profiles, including higher oleic, lower linolenic and lower saturate canolas. The challenge that the industry faces is to keep pace with the constant evaluations by nutritionists as well as changing demands of the consumer and the food industry.
