Jm. Bell et al., Mineral composition of oil-free seeds of Brassica napus, B. rapa and B. juncea as affected by location and year, CAN J ANIM, 79(3), 1999, pp. 405-408
Three cultivars of Brassica (Westar, Brassica napus; Tobin, B. rapa; Cutlas
s, B. juncea) were grown in four locations in 4 successive years, with dupl
icate samples taken from each treatment. Harvested seed was hexane-extracte
d, ground and analyzed for mineral content. The average contents (mg kg(-1)
) were: Ca, 0.64; P, 1.12; Mg, 0.56%; Cu, 6.2; Zn, 46; Fe, 188; and Mn, 55.
Values for Westar and Tobin were generally similar but Cutlass contained l
ess Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn and more Cu and Zn (P < 0.01). Locations affected all
mineral levels. One location produced samples lower in Ca, P, Cu and Mn bu
t higher in Zn than the other locations (P < 0.01). Year-to-year variabilit
y was of minor consequence.