The sensitivity of seed composition to drought was compared among thre
e spring glasshouse-grown rapeseed genotypes by applying water shortag
e treatments at various stages of development. All traits under study
associated with the biochemical composition of the seed were drastical
ly modified in plants subjected to drought during flowering. Water sho
rtage during a restricted period in the early stages of vegetative gro
wth was also important for seed quality. Despite limited fluctuations
in total lipid content, changes in fatty acid composition were found,
especially in the erucic acid metabolic pathway (i.e., oleic, gadoleic
and erucic acids). A slight increase in seed protein concentration wa
s observed after early vegetative and flowering drought treatments. Th
e total sugar content of seeds was not significantly affected by water
deprivation. Significant effects of drought stress, depending on its
timing, were observed in the accumulation of secondary metabolites (i.
e., phenolics and glucosinolates) which are of major importance for ra
peseed meal quality. The relevance of the observed effects on seed com
position resulting from either immediate or long-term effects of water
deprivation depending on its application stage is discussed.