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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Griffin, Georgia » Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #296131
Title: Genetic variability for phenotype, seed production, oil content, and fatty acid composition among 17 Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) accessions

Author
item Morris, John - Brad
item Wang, Ming
item Tonnis, Brandon

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2013
Publication Date: 10/13/2013
Citation: Morris, J.B., Wang, M.L., Tonnis, B.D. 2013. Genetic variability for phenotype, seed production, oil content, and fatty acid composition among 17 Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) accessions. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference. (Abstract) p. 181.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Seed oil and fatty acids in plants have human health implications. Oil from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds are used in Taiwan as a diuretic, laxative, and tonic. The objectives of this study were to evaluate seeds from 17 roselle accessions for oil and fatty acid variation in a greenhouse. Seventeen roselle accessions were planted in 27.5 cm2 plastic pots containing potting soil and grown in a greenhouse from August 1, 2010 – April 1, 2012. The seed oil content was measured on a Mini-spec mq10 NMR analyzer. The NMR was maintained at 40 °C and operated at a resonance frequency of 9.95 MHz. A total of 16 scans were collected for each sample. For establishing an oil standard curve, nine standards were prepared by weight using cotton oil. The mass of each measurement was converted to a percentage of the total weight of each sample. Approximately 50-100 mg of ground seed material was transferred to a glass tube, and 3.0 mL of n-heptane was added to extract the oil. For conversion of fatty acids to methyl esters (FAMEs), 500 µL of 0.5 M sodium methoxide (NaOCH3) in methanol solution was added to the tube and mixed with the sample. After 2 h, 7 mL of distilled water was added to separate the organic layer containing FAMEs from the seed residue. An aliquot was transferred to a 2.0 mL autosampler vial for analysis. Fatty acid composition was determined using an Agilent 7890A GC equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) and an autosampler. Peak separations were performed on a DB-23 capillary column. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications assigned to roselle accessions. All statistical analysis were accomplished using SAS. Signficant variation for all traits was found. PI 274247 from Poland produced significantly more oil (20.1%) than many other accessions. PI 274245 produced significantly more linoleic acid (58.4%) than most of the other accessions while PI 256039 and 256038 from Bangladesh produced more oleic acid (25.7 % and 24.9 %, respectivley) than all other accessions. Several correlations were observed among traits evaluated. Principal component analysis revealed sufficient variation in these roselle accessions for oil and fatty acid breeding projects and use as a nutraceutical crop.