Abstract: A method for identifying a quantitative trait locus associated with desirable nutritional traits in canola includes: analyzing a population of canola plants or germplasm for desirable nutritional traits; determining the genotype of the canola plants or germplasm using at least one marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:111; mapping the canola plants or germplasm for the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with the markers; and associating the QTL with the desirable nutritional trait. An isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acid includes a sequence associated with a quantitative trait locus (QTL), wherein the QTL is associated with a desirable nutritional trait in a canola plant or germplasm and wherein the QTL is further associated with at least one marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:111.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates in part to endpoint TaqMan® PCR assays for the detection and high throughput zygosity analysis of the fad-3c gene in canola. The subject disclosure further relates, in part, to the use of wild type DNA as a reference for use in determining zygosity. These and other related procedures can be used to uniquely identify the zygosity and variety of canola lines comprising the subject gene. The subject disclosure also provides related kits for determining zygosity from a sample of a canola plant or seed, for example.

Abstract: Saponaria vaccaria, related Saponaria species and species in other genera of the Caryophyllaceae family are well known for the production of saponins which have many established commercial uses including: detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and recently as adjuvants for vaccine development. Additionally, seed of Saponaria species comprises a novel starch with uniform small size grains suitable for numerous novel applications, and various cyclopeptides, proteins and secondary metabolites that have potential drug, nutraceutical or health care properties. The present invention discloses a method of culturing isolated microspores and generation of doubled haploid plant lines that are suitable for the rapid selection of Saponaria species with altered and improved seed composition and agronomic performance.