ABSTRACT
Seeds for a large expanse of Canola were sown some 4,000 years ago in the plains of Central Asia. Archaeological reports indicate that canola plants were cultivated as early as 2000 B.C. The Euro-Siberian region is considered primary center of origin and region of maximum genetic diversity. China and North Indian plains too hold large genetic variation for Brassica species (Table 1). Brassica species have been cultivated in Europe, Mediterranean, China and Indo-Gangetic plains since ancient period. It was introduced to North America through human migration. Canola was first grown commercially in Canada in 1942 to produce a lubricant for war ships and for its use as oil for lamps. Canola was first grown commercially in Australia in 1969. Canola is currently grown across wheat belt areas of temperate Australia.
