1. Introduction ]. The youngest species, B. napus, is commonly used as an oil crop and has several common names—rapeseed, oilseed rape, and colza. ]. Rapeseed originated from spontaneous hybridization ].
Where is oilseed rape grown?
Oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.) is the major oilseed crop in temperate regions and ranks second among oilseed crops produced worldwide (FAO 2008 ). Depending on the climate it is grown as a winter annual or as a spring annual crop. Important growing areas are Northern and Southern America, Northern Europe, China and Australia.
What are the different types of oilseed rape?
Currently, specialty oil quality oilseed rape types like high oleic acid/low linolenic acid (HOLL) or high erucic acid oilseed rape (HEAR) are also cultivated on a smaller scale as identity-preserved crops. Conventional breeding programs mainly focus on improving yield, yield stability and oil content.
Why are oilseed rape production areas growing?
The studies show that oilseed rape production areas have been steadily growing with the increasing global demand for food, feed, fuel, and industrial applications. The need for oilseed rape production encourages farmers to expand their planted areas of oilseed rape.