ABSTRACT
Brassica napus L. (n = 19), an amphidiploid species derived from a cross between B. oleracea (n = 9) and B. rapa (n = 10), is the most economically important Brassica oilseed species (Downey and Röbbelen 1989; Kimber and McGregor 1995). In Canada the summer annual form is grown, with over 95% of total production concentrated in the three western prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The common name is summer rape, also known as Argentine rape in Canada after its origin and introduction into Canada from Argentina in the early 1940s. Production in Europe (France, UK, Germany and other European countries) is based on winter annual forms (over 90% of total production), commonly referred to as winter rape. It is planted in late August and harvested in July the following year.
