Cytoplasmic male sterility system producing canola hybrids

Abstract

Our invention comprises a gene restorer line of Brassica napus which contains a Raphanus sativus restorer gene but is essentially free of Raphanus sativus genes which produce high glucosinolate. In particular, we provide a gene restorer line, and progeny derived therefrom, seed of which is low in glucosinolates. The Brassica napus restorer lines are free of glucosinolate-producing genes having a characteristic RFLP signature. The method of producing such lines which comprises crossing Brassica napus restorer lines and hybrids with desired Brassica napus germplasm and selecting progeny having a characteristic RFLP signature is also encompassed by the present invention.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of producing a restorer line of  Brassica  having substantially the same glucosinolate level as a corresponding fertile parent for use in an ogura cytoplasmic male sterility system comprising: 
 A. selecting a fertile parent with microspores comprising a gene restorer line of  Brassica napus  which contains a  Raphanus sativus  restorer gene and canola quality levels of glucosinolate particularly levels of progoitrin and gluconasin glucosinolate which are canola levels;    B. culturing selected microspores forming haploids and inducing double haploids;    C. testing the double haploids progeny for fertility indicating the  Raphanus sativus  restorer gene is present and for levels of glucosinolate wherein the absence of levels of progoitrin and gluconasin glucosinolate and overall glucosinolate production is shown to be substantially the same as the corresponding fertile parent; and    D. selecting progeny which are positive for presence of said restorer gene and negative for elevated glucosinolate production relative to the corresponding fertile parent.