Oil quality is an important issue in oilseed rape breeding programmes. Recently, the seed oil content of saturated fatty acids has received substantial interest, because in a number of industrialized countries dietary recommendations not only limit total fat intake but also intake of saturated fatty acids. The aim of the present study is to analyse the genetic variation for saturated fatty acid content (mainly 16:0 and 18:0) in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).