Rapeseed (Brassica rapa and B. napus) and mustard (B. juncea) are the important oilseed crops in Pakistan. Rapeseed and mustard seed contains 44-46% oil. In addition, its meal has 38-40% protein, with a complete profile of amino acids including lysine, methionine and cystine. The oil of canola varieties is free from erucic acid and is nutritionally more desirable for human health. The meal from canola quality rapeseed is an excellent feed for animals and birds, especially for poultry. NARC is pioneer to introduce canola in the country with the concerted research efforts for development of varieties and production technology. Canola was introduced in Pakistan during 1983 and now it is being grown on 121,000 ha. Oilseed Programme NARC introduced the following canola /mustard varieties:
BARD-I
The BARD-I is mustard (B. juncea) non-canola variety maturing in 150-170 days. This variety, released in 1990, has a yield potential 2900 kg/ha and 42% oil
WESTAR
This was the first canola type variety of rapeseed introduced from Canada. It matures in 170-190 days with a yield potential of 2100 kg/ha. It contains 45% of quality oil and was released in 1991.
SHIRALEE
This canola type rapeseed, introduced from Australia, matures in 160-180 days with yield potential of 2500 kg/ha. It is drought tolerant and contains 45% of quality oil. It was also released for general cultivation during 1991.
CON-I
This also a rapeseed canola variety with yield potential of 2500 kg/ha, flower duration of 80-100 days, maturity days 145-165, and oil contents of 45%, with erucic acid 1.85%, glucosinolate 11.0 m mole/g of seed. It was released in 1996.
CON-II
this is a canola variety with yield potential 2800 kg/ha, flower duration of 80-100 days, maturity days 160-180, oil contents 45% with erucic acid 3.5%, glucosinolate 22.0 m mole/g of seed.It was released in 1996. It is now successfully grown in the country and its oil is popular as edible oil. This venture generated the economic activities by the functioning of the under utilized solvent industry.
Key References
Kirkland, K.J. and A. Rashid. (1986). Control of volunteer barley in Westar canola with selectone, HOE-33171 and DPX-Y6202. In: Research Report of Expert Committee on Weeds (Western Canada). Page: 499.
Muendel, H. H. (1992). Registration of “BARD-1” mustard (The breeders involved in the development of BARD-1; S.T. Ali Khan (Canada), H.H. Muendel (Canada), M. Munir (Pakistan), A. Poswal (Pakistan), A. Rashid (Pakistan) and G. Stringam (Canada). Crop Science 32: 832.
