Effect of genetic background on the stability of sunflower fatty acid composition in different high oleic mutations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effect of genetic background on the stability of fatty acid composition in sunflower near isogenic lines (NILs) carrying high-oleic Pervenets (P) or high-oleicNM1mutationswas studied. Thematerialswere field-tested in different locations and at different sowing dates to evaluate a wide range of environmental conditions. Relationships were established between the fatty acids and theminimum night temperature (MNT) and the response was characterized. RESULTS: A genetic background effect for the fatty acid compositionwas found in both groups of NILs. The NM1-NILs showed an oleic level higher than 910 g kg−1 and theyweremore stable across environmentswith a zero or lowdependence on the genetic background; on the other hand, high oleic materials bearing the P mutation showed lower levels of oleic acid, with a higher variation in fatty acid composition and a highly significant dependence on the genetic background. CONCLUSION: The NM1 mutation is the best option to develop ultra-high oleic sunflower oil that is stable across environments and genetic backgrounds,making its agronomical production more efficient and predictable.