Evaluation of genetic variations of camelina and companion crops

Summary

In SCOOP project genetic diversity of camelina was analysed in Bulgaria and Poland using iPBS, ISSR, and RAPD molecular markers. In Bulgaria, 48 genotypes were tested. The analyses revealed moderate but heterogeneous diversity, with a polymorphism rate of 47.7% and clear genetic clustering among lines. Gene expression analysis showed a fivefold increase in fad6 gene expression in camelina intercropped with vetch, correlating with higher α-linolenic acid content.
In Poland, 52 genotypes were secured and genotyped, achieving high DNA quality and an average RAPD polymorphism of 88.3%. Cluster analysis grouped the majority of genotypes together, with nine distinct outliers. These results provide a valuable basis for selection of diverse and resilient camelina lines for field trials and breeding, and confirm the potential of intercropping to enhance seed quality at the molecular level.