A dataset of tissue-specific gene expression dynamics during seed development in Brassica

In oilseed crops, e.g. oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus), a key developmental process is seed maturation, during which the embryo transitions from the early, globular state to the mature state. Seed development involves cell division, differentiation, and oil accumulation in specific tissue types (embryo, endosperm, and seed coat). These developmental processes impact seed quality and oil yield. High quality RNA from Brassica spp. seed tissues, from heart to mature developmental stages, was obtained using previously reported methods for five Brassica genotypes comprising winter, semi-winter and spring OSR varieties, a B. napus heritage kale and a rapid-cycling double-haploid Brassica oleracea line. RNA-seq was performed on 240 sets of samples. The resulting dataset contains detailed spatio-temporal expression profiles during seed development. In addition to the repository data, we provide easy access to this through the Seed Oilseed Rape Developmental Expression Resource (SeedORDER), which enables users to search for genes of interest and visualise expression patterns. Knowledge of where and when genes are expressed during seed development will inform future breeding efforts.