Analysis of Genetic Effects for Heterosis of Erucic Acid and Glucosinolate Contents in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

The embryo, cytoplasmic, and maternal heterosis for erucic acid content (EAC) and glucosinolate content (GLS) of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) were studied by using the genetic models for quantitative traits of seeds in diploid crops. Eight parents were included in a diallel mating design in two years. It was found that the heterosis of EAC and GLS was simultaneously controlled by genetic main effects and genotypexenvironment (GE) interaction effects. The general heterosis of most crosses for EAC was significantly positive, while it was not for GLS. The general heterosis was more important for two quality traits of rapeseed because of the low GE interaction heterosis in both years, especially for GLS. Among different genetic systems, significant positive embryo general heterosis and the negative maternal general heterosis were found for EAC and GLS in most hybrid crosses. Some hybrids with significant negative interaction heterosis were detected for either of EAC or GLS. In general, maternal general and interaction heterosis was more important for reducing EAC and GLS of rapeseed.