The invention relates generally to methods and compositions concerning
fungal desaturase enzymes that modulate the number and location of double
bonds in long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA's). In
Particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for
improving omega-3 fatty acid profiles in plant products and parts using
desaturase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding for such enzymes. In
particular embodiments, the desaturase enzymes are fungal -15
desaturases. Also provided are improved canola oil compositions having
SDA and maintaining beneficial oleic acid content.