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New variety of rapeseed reduces formation of unwanted fatty acids

Better oil for better health

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Plant genetics: markers on the rapeseed DNA show Ir. Benjamin Laga which of the genes in the rapeseed plant are responsible for the fatty acid composition of its oil.

Rapeseed is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil. Due to its high essential polyunsaturated fatty acid content, rapeseed oil is a good item to put on any grocery list. When the oil is hardened and converted into products such as margarine, however, unhealthy byproducts such as trans fatty acids are also created. That’s why Bayer CropScience researchers are breeding customized rapeseed plants.

It all depends on the right plant

These new rapeseed plants ensure that trans fatty acids are kept to a minimum in hardened rapeseed oil. For almost a decade, Bayer CropScience has been developing and marketing rapeseed hybrids that produce high yields, contain very low levels of bitter-tasting erucic acid and provide protein-rich rapeseed meal as a byproduct that can be used as animal feed. The following article details what special properties future rapeseed plants could have.