Hybridization effects on seed traits of annual Datura accessions focusing on oil concentration and composition

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Datura seeds can be source of non-edible oil for industrial uses and protein for feed. The aim of this work was to study seed composition (oil and protein concentration, fatty acid composition), initially, in five Datura accessions (one D. stramonium f. stramonium, three D. stramonium f. tatula, and one D. ferox) and then to evaluate hybridization as a tool for seed quality improvement. Datura ferox had the lowest oil concentration (8.27%) and the highest stearic acid (4.12%) among the five accessions. To assess the effects of hybridization, 15 accessions [D. stramonium f. stramonium, one D. stramonium f. tatula, their mutual crossings, D. ferox, and 10 inter-specific hybrids (D. stramonium×D. ferox)] were tested in the field. Especially inter-specific hybridization generated putatively exploitable variation for seed traits (seed dimensions, weight, and chemical composition). Seed size and weight [1000-seed weight (TSW)] were positively correlated with protein but were unrelated with oil concentration. Seed length, width, and thickness along with TSW were positively correlated with stearic and oleic acids but negatively with linoleic and palmitic acid concentrations. Oleic and stearic acid concentrations were negatively related with linoleic acid. Concluding, mainly TSW could be used as a selection tool for manipulating fatty acid composition in Datura seeds leading to better oil quality for biodiesel production.