Nondestructive NMR determination of oil composition in transformed Canola seeds

Magic-angle spinning(MAS) C-13 nuclear mag netic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a convenient method for nondestructive, quantitative characterization of seed oil composition. We describe results for intact hybrid and transformed canola seeds. The MAS C-13 NMR technique complements and agrees with gas chromatography results. The spectral resolution approaches that of neat, liquid oils. MAS C-13 NMR data allow quantitative analysis of major oil components, including saturates and oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acyl chains. C-13 NMR directly and quantitatively elucidates; triglyceride regiochemistry and acyl chain cis-trans isomers that cannot be quickly detected by other methods. MAS C-13 NMR can serve as the primary method for development of near-infrared seed oil calibrations. These NMR methods are nondestructive and attractive for plant-breeding programs or other studies (e,g., functional genomics) where loss of seed viability is inconvenient.