Evaluation of agronomic and seed qualitative traits of superior winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties

In order to compare yield and agronomic characteristics of 38 new winter rapessed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars along with Okapi as check, a field experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design during 2009-10 cropping season with three. Rapeseed cultivars showed significant differences for all traits at 1 percent probability level. In this research, ES Betty, NK Karibik, NK Aviator, Champlain and RNX 3621 cultivars showed the highest grain yield. In order to evaluate qualitative characteristics of superior rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties, another field experiment was performed in 2010-11 cropping season. Five superior rapeseed varieties, selected of first experiment along with Okapi, Modena and and Licord as check comprised the experimental factors. Results showed that ES Betty variety had the highest seed yield and linolenic acid. NK Aviator and Champlain varieties showed superiority for linoleic acid. ES Betty and NK Aviator had the lowest oleic acid. Also, Modena and Champlain varieties showed the highest seed content of both Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). Licord had the greatest seed content of Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn). There was positive and significant correlation between seed yield, linolenic acid and glucosinolate content. Rapeseed cultivars had significant differences for seed yield, glucosinolate content, fatty acids combination and seed content of micro nutrients elements. Also, there was inverse relationship between quantitative and qualitative yield in rapeseed.