Lesquerella FAD3-1 gene is responsible for the biosynthesis of trienoic acid and dienoic hydroxy fatty acids in seed oil

•Lesquerella PfFAD3-1 gene encodes a functional fatty acid desaturase 3 enzyme.•PfFAD3-1 desaturates linoleic acid and ricinoleic acid in Arabidopsis.•Lesquerella PfFAD3-2 protein is intact but does not possess fatty acid desaturase 3 activity.•PfFAD3-1 may be utilized for future basic and applied research to develop new oilseeds.