Showing papers on "Rapeseed published in 2012"

Microarray analysis of humic acid effects on Brassica napus growth: Involvement of N, C and S metabolisms

Abstract: Winter rapeseed (Brassica napus) is characterized by a low N recovery in seeds and requires high rates of fertilization to maintain yield. Its nutrient use efficiency could be improved by addition of a biostimulant such as humic acids whose physiological effects have been described previously in some plant species. However, to our knowledge, no study has focused on transcriptomic analyses to determine metabolic targets of this extract. A preliminary screening of ten humic acids revealed a significant effect of one of them (HA7) on rapeseed root growth. Microarray analysis was then used on HA7-treated or non-treated plants to characterize changes in gene expression that were further supported by physiological evidence. Stimulation of nitrogen uptake (+15% in shoots and +108% in roots) and assimilation was found to be increased in a similar manner to growth while sulfate content (+76% in shoots and +137% in roots) was more strongly stimulated leading to higher sulfate accumulation. In parallel, microscopic analysis showed an enhancement of chloroplast number per cell. It is therefore suggested that HA7, which promotes plant growth and nutrient uptake, could be used as a supplementary tool to improve rapeseed nitrogen use efficiency.

The BnGRF2 gene (GRF2-like gene from Brassica napus) enhances seed oil production through regulating cell number and plant photosynthesis

Abstract: Seed yield and oil content are two important agricultural characteristics in oil crop breeding, and a lot of functional gene research is being concentrated on increasing these factors. In this study, by differential gene expression analyses between rapeseed lines (zy036 and 51070) which exhibit different levels of seed oil production, BnGRF2 (Brassica napus growth-regulating factor 2-like gene) was identified in the high oil-producing line zy036. To elucidate the possible roles of BnGRF2 in seed oil production, the cDNA sequences of the rapeseed GRF2 gene were isolated. The Blastn result showed that rapeseed contained BnGRF2a/2b which were located in the A genome (A1 and A3) and C genome (C1 and C6), respectively, and the dominantly expressed gene BnGRF2a was chosen for transgenic research. Analysis of 35S-BnGRF2a transgenic Arabidopsis showed that overexpressed BnGRF2a resulted in an increase in seed oil production of >50%. Moreover, BnGRF2a also induced a >20% enlargement in extended leaves and >40% improvement in photosynthetic efficiency because of an increase in the chlorophyll content. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses indicated that some genes associated with cell proliferation, photosynthesis, and oil synthesis were up-regulated, which revealed that cell number and plant photosynthesis contributed to the increased seed weight and oil content. Because of less efficient self-fertilization induced by the longer pistil in the 35S-BnGRF2a transgenic line, Napin-BnGRF2a transgenic lines were further used to identify the function of BnGRF2, and the results showed that seed oil production also could increase >40% compared with the wild-type control. The results suggest that improvement to economically important characteristics in oil crops may be achieved by manipulation of the GRF2 expression level.

Development of ultra‐high erucic acid oil in the industrial oil crop Crambe abyssinica

Abstract: Erucic acid (22 : 1) is a major feedstock for the oleochemical industry. In this study, a gene stacking strategy was employed to develop transgenic Crambe abyssinica lines with increased 22 : 1 levels. Through integration of the LdLPAAT, BnFAE1 and CaFAD2-RNAi genes into the crambe genome, confirmed by Southern blot and qRT-PCR, the average levels of 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3 were markedly decreased and that of 22 : 1 was increased from 60% in the wild type to 73% in the best transgenic line of T4 generation. In single seeds of the same line, the 22 : 1 level could reach 76.9%, an increase of 28.0% over the wild type. The trierucin amount was positively correlated to 22 : 1 in the transgenic lines. Unlike high erucic rapeseed, the wild-type crambe contains 22 : 1 in the seed phosphatidylcholine and in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols (5% and 8%, respectively). The transgenic line with high 22 : 1 had decreased 22 : 1 level in phosphatidylcholine, and this was negatively correlated with the 22 : 1 level at the sn-2 position of TAG. The significances of this study include (i) achieving an unprecedented level of 22 : 1 in an oil crop; (ii) disclosing mechanisms in the channelling of a triacylglycerol-specific unusual fatty acid in oil seeds; (iii) indicating potential limiting factors involved in the erucic acid biosynthesis and paving the way for further increase of this acid and (iv) development of an added value genetically modified oil crop having no risk of gene flow into feed and food crops.

A Tourist-like MITE insertion in the upstream region of the BnFLC.A10 gene is associated with vernalization requirement in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract: Background Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) has spring and winter genotypes adapted to different growing seasons. Winter genotypes do not flower before the onset of winter, thus leading to a longer vegetative growth period that promotes the accumulation and allocation of more resources to seed production. The development of winter genotypes enabled the rapeseed to spread rapidly from southern to northern Europe and other temperate regions of the world. The molecular basis underlying the evolutionary transition from spring- to winter- type rapeseed is not known, however, and needs to be elucidated.

Comparative proteome analysis of drought-sensitive and drought-tolerant rapeseed roots and their hybrid F1 line under drought stress.

Abstract: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), which is the third leading source of vegetable oil, is sensitive to drought stress during the early vegetative growth stage. To investigate the initial response of rapeseed to drought stress, changes in the protein expression profiles of drought-sensitive (RGS-003) and drought-tolerant lines (SLM-003), and their F1 hybrid, were analyzed using a proteomics approach. Seven-day-old rapeseed seedlings were treated with drought stress by restricting water for 7 days, and proteins were extracted from roots and separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the sensitive rapeseed line, 35 protein spots were differentially expressed under drought stress, and proteins related to metabolism, energy, disease/defense, and transport were decreased. In the tolerant line, 32 protein spots were differentially expressed under drought stress, and proteins involved in metabolism, disease/defense, and transport were increased, while energy-related proteins were decreased. Six protein spots in F1 hybrid were common among expressed proteins in the drought-sensitive and -tolerant lines. Notably, tubulin beta-2 and heat shock protein 70 were decreased in the drought-sensitive line and hybrid F1 plants, while jasmonate-inducible protein and 20S proteasome subunit PAF1 were increased in the F1 hybrids and drought-tolerant line. These results indicate that (1) V-type H+ ATPase, plasma-membrane associated cation-binding protein, HSP 90, and elongation factor EF-2 have a role in the drought tolerance of rapeseed; (2) The decreased levels of heat shock protein 70 and tubulin beta-2 in the drought-sensitive and hybrid F1 lines might explain the reduced growth of these lines in drought conditions.

Lipid components and oxidative status of selected specialty oils

Abstract: Many vegetable oils are marketed as specialty oils because of their retained flavors, tastes and distinct characteristics. Specialty oil samples which were commercially produced and retailed were purchased from local superstores in Reading, UK, and Uppsala, Sweden and profiled for detailed lipid composition and oxidative status. These oil samples include: almond, hazelnut, walnut, macadamia nut, argan, avocado, grape seed, roasted sesame, rice bran, cold pressed, organic and cold pressed, warm pressed and refined rapeseed oils. The levels of PV were quite low (0.5-1.3mEq O2 /kg) but AV and Rancimat values at 100°C (except for rapeseed oils) varied considerably at (0.5-15.5) and (4.2-37.0 h) respectively. Macadamia nut oil was found to be the most stable oil followed by argan oil, while walnut oil was the least stable. Among the specialty oils, macadamia nut oil had the lowest (4%) and walnut oil had the highest (71%) level of total PUFA. The organic cold pressed rapeseed oil had considerably lower PUFA (27%) compared with other rapeseed oils (28- 35%). In all the samples, α- and γ- tocopherols were the major tocopherols; nut oils had generally lower levels. Total sterols ranged from 889 to 15,106 µg/g oil. The major sterols were β-sitosterol (61-85%) and campesterol (6-20%). Argan oil contained schottenol (35%) and spinasterol (32%). Compared with literature values, no marked differences were observed among the differently processed, organically grown or cold pressed rapeseed oils and other specialty oils in this study.

Extending the rapeseed gene pool with resynthesized Brassica napus II: Heterosis

Abstract: Hybrid breeding relies on the combination of parents from two differing heterotic groups. However, the genetic diversity in adapted oilseed rape breeding material is rather limited. Therefore, the use of resynthesized Brassica napus as a distant gene pool was investigated. Hybrids were derived from crosses between 44 resynthesized lines with a diverse genetic background and two male sterile winter oilseed rape tester lines. The hybrids were evaluated together with their parents and check cultivars in 2 years and five locations in Germany. Yield, plant height, seed oil, and protein content were monitored, and genetic distances were estimated with molecular markers (127 polymorphic RFLP fragments). Resynthesized lines varied in yield between 40.9 dt/ha and 21.5 dt/ha, or between 85.1 and 44.6% of check cultivar yields. Relative to check cultivars, hybrids varied from 91.6 to 116.6% in yield and from 94.5 to 103.3% in seed oil content. Mid-parent heterosis varied from −3.5 to 47.2% for yield. The genetic distance of parental lines was not significantly correlated with heterosis or hybrid yield. Although resynthesized lines do not meet the elite rapeseed standards, they are a valuable source for hybrid breeding due to their large distance from present breeding material and their high heterosis when combined with European winter oilseed rape.

Breeding Major Oil Crops: Present Status and Future Research Needs

Abstract: Oils extracted from plants have been used predominantly as edible oil. Soybean, peanut, rapeseed mustard, sunflower, safflower, Sesamum, linseed, castor and cotton seed are predominant oil crops. Global status of nine major and minor oil crops has been discussed which includes their classification, contribution, major growing countries and objectives. Major objectives in oil crop improvement are enhancement of seed and oil yield, quality of oil according to its use, i.e. edible or industrial uses, breeding of varieties which fit in different cropping systems and breeding biotic and abiotic stress resistant/tolerant varieties. Achievements in varietal development programme of nine oil crops in India have also been discussed and future research needs to meet the increasing demand have also been highlighted. This review describes developments in use of biotechnological tools in seven edible oil crops, namely, Brassica, soybean, sunflower, groundnut, Sesamum, linseed and safflower and also highlights the prospects of using markers in genetic improvement of these crops. Molecular markers reported for genetic diversity assessment, mapping and tagging genes/QTLs for different qualitative and quantitative traits and their use in marker-assisted selection have been presented.

A candidate gene-based association study of tocopherol content and composition in rapeseed (Brassica napus).

Abstract: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the most important oil crop of temperate climates. Rapeseed oil contains tocopherols, also known as vitamin E, which is an indispensable nutrient for humans and animals due to its antioxidant and radical scavenging abilities. Moreover, tocopherols are also important for the oxidative stability of vegetable oils. Therefore, seed oil with increased tocopherol content or altered tocopherol composition is a target for breeding. We investigated the role of nucleotide variations within candidate genes from the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. Field trials were carried out with 229 accessions from a worldwide B. napus collection which was divided into two panels of 96 and 133 accessions. Seed tocopherol content and composition were measured by HPLC. High heritabilities were found for both traits, ranging from 0.62 to 0.94. We identified polymorphisms by sequencing selected regions of the tocopherol genes from the 96 accession panel. Subsequently, we determined the population structure (Q) and relative kinship (K) as detected by genotyping with genome-wide distributed SSR markers. Association studies were performed using two models, the structure-based GLM+Q and the PK mixed model. Between 26 and 12 polymorphisms within two genes (BnaX.VTE3.a, BnaA.PDS1.c) were significantly associated with tocopherol traits. The SNPs explained up to 16.93 % of the genetic variance for tocopherol composition and up to 10.48 % for total tocopherol content. Based on the sequence information we designed CAPS markers for genotyping the 133 accessions from the 2nd panel. Significant associations with various tocopherol traits confirmed the results from the first experiment. We demonstrate that the polymorphisms within the tocopherol genes clearly impact tocopherol content and composition in B. napus seeds. We suggest that these nucleotide variations may be used as selectable markers for breeding rapeseed with enhanced tocopherol quality.

Tissue-specific distribution of secondary metabolites in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Abstract: Four different parts, hypocotyl and radicle (HR), inner cotyledon (IC), outer cotyledon (OC), seed coat and endosperm (SE), were sampled from mature rapeseed (Brassica napus L) by laser microdissection Subsequently, major secondary metabolites, glucosinolates and sinapine, as well as three minor ones, a cyclic spermidine conjugate and two flavonoids, representing different compound categories, were qualified and quantified in dissected samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry No qualitative and quantitative difference of glucosinolates and sinapine was detected in embryo tissues (HR, IC and OC) On the other hand, the three minor compounds were observed to be distributed unevenly in different rapeseed tissues The hypothetic biological functions of the distribution patterns of different secondary metabolites in rapeseed are discussed

Design of new genome- and gene-sourced primers and identification of QTL for seed oil content in a specially high-oil Brassica napus cultivar.

Abstract: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of most important oilseed crops in the world. There are now various rapeseed cultivars in nature that differ in their seed oil content because they vary in oil-content alleles and there are high-oil alleles among the high-oil rapeseed cultivars. For these experiments, we generated doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from the cross between the specially high-oil cultivar zy036 whose seed oil content is approximately 50% and the specially low-oil cultivar 51070 whose seed oil content is approximately 36%. First, to address the deficiency in polymorphic markers, we designed 5944 pairs of newly developed genome-sourced primers and 443 pairs of newly developed primers related to oil-content genes to complement the 2244 pairs of publicly available primers. Second, we constructed a new DH genetic linkage map using 527 molecular markers, consisting of 181 publicly available markers, 298 newly developed genome-sourced markers and 48 newly developed markers related to oil-content genes. The map contained 19 linkage groups, covering a total length of 2,265.54 cM with an average distance between markers of 4.30 cM. Third, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed oil content using field data collected at three sites over 3 years, and found a total of 12 QTL. Of the 12 QTL associated with seed oil content identified, 9 were high-oil QTL which derived from the specially high-oil cultivar zy036. Two high-oil QTL on chromosomes A2 and C9 co-localized in two out of three trials. By QTL mapping for seed oil content, we found four candidate genes for seed oil content related to four gene markers: GSNP39, GSSR161, GIFLP106 and GIFLP046. This information will be useful for cloning functional genes correlated with seed oil content in the future.

Determination of multiresidues in rapeseed, rapeseed oil, and rapeseed meal by acetonitrile extraction, low-temperature cleanup, and detection by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A multiresidue method for determining pesticides in rapeseed, rapeseed oil, and rapeseed meal by use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry is developed. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile or acidified acetonitrile and cleaned up by a 12 h freezing step. The recovery data were obtained by spiking blank samples at three concentration levels. The recoveries of 27 selected pesticides in rapeseed, rapeseed oil, and rapeseed meal were in the range of 70–118%, at the concentration level of 10 μg kg–1, with intraday and interday precisions of lower than 22 and 27%, respectively. Linearity was studied between 2 and 500 μg L–1 with determination coefficients (R2) of higher than 0.98 for all compounds in the three matrices. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) of pesticides in rapeseed, rapeseed oil, and rapeseed meal ranged from 0.3 to 18 μg kg–1. The n-octanol–water partition coefficient showed more influence than water solubility in extracting pesticides by acetonitrile from matrices of high fat co...

Refining crop and livestock management for dual-purpose spring canola (Brassica napus)

Abstract: Dual-purpose canola (Brassica napus) describes the use of a canola crop for grazed winter forage before seed production, a practice that has only recently been developed in southern Australia. Long-season winter canola has been grazed without yield penalty in higher rainfall zones of Australia (>650 mm) and the USA, but the potential areas are small. The feasibility to graze spring canola varieties across wider areas of the medium-rainfall (450–650 mm), mixed-farming zone in Australia is therefore of interest. We conducted a series of six field experiments involving a range of canola cultivars and grazing management and agronomy systems from 2007 to 2009 at Young in southern New South Wales, Australia, to determine the feasibility of and refine the principles for grazing dual-purpose spring canola without significant yield penalty. Mid-season, Australian spring canola cultivars including conventional and hybrid varieties representing a range of herbicide tolerance (triazine-tolerant, Clearfield®, and Roundup Ready®) were sown from 16 April to 12 May and grazed with sheep at a range of growth stages from early vegetative (June) to mid-flowering (September). In general, early-sown crops (sown mid-April) provided significant grazing (~800 dry sheep equivalent grazing days/ha) in winter before bud elongation, and recovered with no impact on grain yield or oil content. As previously reported, yield was significantly reduced (by up to 1 t/ha) when grazing occurred after buds had elongated (late July), due to the delayed flowering associated with bud removal by sheep and insufficient time for biomass and yield recovery. However, yield was also reduced in crops grazed before bud elongation if insufficient residual biomass remained (<1.0 t/ha for late July lock-up) to facilitate crop recovery even when there was little delay in crop development. We suggest that refinements to the existing ‘phenology-based’ grazing recommendations would assist to avoid yield loss in grazed spring varieties, and propose three grazing stages (safe, sensitive, and unsafe) that integrate the impacts of time, crop growth stage, residual biomass, and seasonal conditions to avoid yield loss under different circumstances. Such refinements to reduce the likelihood of grazing-induced yield loss would provide more confidence for mixed farmers to maximise the benefits from dual-purpose canola in different environments. Based on the outcomes of these experiments, dual-purpose spring canola is likely to have significant potential for wider application in other mixed farming zones, with similar region-specific refinements based on the principles reported here.

Importance of Brassica napus as a medicinal food plant

Abstract: Brassica napus L. (B. napus L) (Cruciferae), is one of the cultivated medicinal food plants in Middle Asia, North Africa and West Europe. In Iranian traditional medicine, the root parts of this plant were used for the therapeutic properties as diuretic, anti-scurvy, anti-inflammatory of bladder and anti-goat. The usage of rapeseed oil as a food product as well as in the production of non-nutrition products such as greases, lubricant oils and especially bio-fuel may cause the increasing in rapeseed production in the world with FAO estimation of 58.4 million tons in the 2010-2011.The presence of a high quantity of erucic acid in natural rapeseed oil makes it toxic for consuming and the edible rapeseed oil is prepared from plant’s hybrid (contained little or no eurcic acid) which used as cooking oil. Unfortunately, the medicinal properties of this plant have not been considered and are going to forget by expert scientists except the seed oil. Alongside the world trend to increase the cultivation of this plant, more evaluations on the pharmacological and biological activities of B. napus L. is recommended especially using traditional and folk experiences based documents. In this paper, the important achievements of phytochemistry and pharmacology for this plant are reviewed. Key words: Brassica napus, canola, eurcic acid, anti-inflammatory, bio-fuel.

Unraveling the genetic basis of seed tocopherol content and composition in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Abstract: Background Tocopherols are important antioxidants in vegetable oils; when present as vitamin E, tocopherols are an essential nutrient for humans and livestock. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L, AACC, 2 n = 38) is one of the most important oil crops and a major source of tocopherols. Although the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway has been well elucidated in the model photosynthetic organisms Arabidopsis thaliana and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, knowledge about the genetic basis of tocopherol biosynthesis in seeds of rapeseed is scant. This project was carried out to dissect the genetic basis of seed tocopherol content and composition in rapeseed through quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection, genome-wide association analysis, and homologous gene mapping. Methodology/principal findings We used a segregating Tapidor × Ningyou7 doubled haploid (TNDH) population, its reconstructed F(2) (RC-F(2)) population, and a panel of 142 rapeseed accessions (association panel). Genetic effects mainly contributed to phenotypic variations in tocopherol content and composition; environmental effects were also identified. Thirty-three unique QTL were detected for tocopherol content and composition in TNDH and RC-F(2) populations. Of these, seven QTL co-localized with candidate sequences associated with tocopherol biosynthesis through in silico and linkage mapping. Several near-isogenic lines carrying introgressions from the parent with higher tocopherol content showed highly increased tocopherol content compared with the recurrent parent. Genome-wide association analysis was performed with 142 B. napus accessions. Sixty-one loci were significantly associated with tocopherol content and composition, 11 of which were localized within the confidence intervals of tocopherol QTL. Conclusions/significance This joint QTL, candidate gene, and association mapping study sheds light on the genetic basis of seed tocopherol biosynthesis in rapeseed. The sequences presented here may be used for marker-assisted selection of oilseed rape lines with superior tocopherol content and composition.

Nitrogen and sulphur fertilization effect on leaching losses, nutrient balance and plant quality in a wheat–rapeseed rotation under a humid Mediterranean climate

Abstract: An unbalanced S and/or N fertilization may have low N and S use efficiency together with substantial negative implications for yield, nutrient losses and plant quality parameters. The effect of N and S fertilization and their interactions on N–S balances, on N–S losses and on some plant quality parameters were investigated in a field experiment with a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–wheat rotation (2005–2008). The study was conducted under humid Mediterranean climatic conditions on a potentially S deficient soil. The effects of N (0, 140, 180, 220 kg N ha−1 in wheat; 0, 100, 140, 180, 220 N ha−1 in rapeseed) combined with S fertilizer rates (0, 16 and 32 kg S ha−1 in wheat and 0, 30, 60 kg S ha−1 in rapeseed) were studied. Nitrogen fertilization increased yield by 55 % in wheat and 60 % in rapeseed, N concentration in grain and straw and S concentration in the grain of wheat. However, it led to a reduction in the S concentration of straw and the oil content of the rapeseed seed. The S application did not increase yield but had a positive effect on S concentration in the wheat straw. Glucosinolate concentration, a potentially toxic secondary metabolite in rapeseed, was not influenced by N or S applications. Nitrate leaching tended to increase with N application while sulphate leaching decreased. A net N and S mineralization was observed in each growing season, except for the first year in which a net S immobilization was observed. To make N fertilizer recommendations, the N mineralization from the previous crop residues should be taken into account. For S fertilizer recommendations, N supply is the most important item both from a qualitative point of view (N/S ratio in wheat grain) and an environmental point of view (S leaching).

Production and Trade of Major World Oil Crops

Abstract: Oilseeds are an important group of crop plants whose oil can be used for human consumption. There are about 40 different oil seeds whose oil can be consumed but only a few are significant in the total world trade. Oil crops are grown world over under varied agroclimatic situations and are vital commodities in the trade and commerce of many economies. The increase in production has occurred mainly due to rising demand for oilseed products and it has been possible mainly due to increase in area under the crop, as well as due to breeding of high yielding varieties. This has been supplemented with the advanced scientific production technologies which have resulted in high levels of per unit productivity, particularly in countries with high standards of agricultural production. Among the oilseed crops, soybean is the major contributor in world oilseed economy followed by rapeseed mustard, cotton, peanut and sunflower. The most important tropical oilseeds are the coconut, palm kernels and groundnut. The major oilseed producing areas are in the temperate zones. America and Europe together account for more than 60% of the world production of oil seeds whereas substantially small production (<5%) comes from tropical areas such as Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia. Both oilseed and oil production have consistently increased over the years to meet the ever increasing demand of vegetable oils. Among the oil seeds, soybean is the chief oil seed crop. Brassica species are the second largest oilseed crop after soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the world oilseed production, surpassing peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.) during the last two decades (FAO (2010) Agricultural Outlook 2010–19). Palms are grown predominantly in the tropical areas of the world as perennial trees and are an important source of vegetable oil. About two-thirds of the total fat oil production is supplied by oilseeds, with palm oil having maximum share of 33%. Copra, cotton, palm, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower are the oilseed crops which dominate the international markets for trade purpose. Both imports and exports of oilseeds and their oils have shown a rising trend due to increased demand and supply of these commodities. China is a dominant importer for oilseeds as well as vegetable oils while the USA is a major exporter for oilseeds, and Indonesia and Malaysia for vegetable oils.

Combining Ability Analysis of Yield Component Parameters in Winter Rapeseed Genotypes (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract: Eight winter rapeseed genotypes GA096, Geronimo, Okapi, Orient, Sunday, Zarfam, SW0756, and Modena were used as parents of a complete diallel mating design. A set of 56 diallel F1 hybrids (with reciprocals) including their parents were evaluated in a 8×8 simple lattice design with two replications during 2007/08. Several agronomic traits like Plant height, number of lateral branches per pod, number of pod per main branch, number of seed per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and oil content were recorded. The main objective was to examine the combining abilities of selected canola (Brassica napus L.) lines in diallel crosses and to identify candidates for promising hybrid combinations. Significant variances were observed among genotypes for all of the traits (except for seed number per plant). Significant GCA and SCA were observed for 1000 seed weight, oil content and seed yield. Reciprocal effects were significant for oil content. There were significant positive effects for yield and yield components.

Determination of fatty acid composition in seed oil of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by mutated alleles of the FAD3 desaturase genes

Abstract: One of the goals in oilseed rape programs is to develop genotypes producing oil with low linolenic acid content (C18:3, ≤3%). Low linolenic mutant lines of canola rapeseed were obtained via chemical mutagenesis at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute – NRI, in Poznan, Poland, and allele-specific SNP markers were designed for monitoring of two statistically important single nucleotide polymorphisms detected by SNaPshot analysis in two FAD3 desaturase genes, BnaA.FAD3 and BnaC.FAD3, respectively. Strong negative correlation between the presence of mutant alleles of the genes and linolenic acid content was revealed by analysis of variance. In this paper we present detailed characteristics of the markers by estimation of the additive and dominance effects of the FAD3 genes with respect to particular fatty acid content in seed oil, as well as by calculation of the phenotypic variation of seed oil fatty acid composition accounted by particular allele-specific marker. The obtained percentage of variation in fatty acid composition was considerable only for linolenic acid content and equaled 35.6% for BnaA.FAD3 and 39.3% for BnaC.FAD3, whereas the total percentage of variation in linolenic acid content was 53.2% when accounted for mutations in both genes simultaneously. Our results revealed high specificity of the markers for effective monitoring of the wild-type and mutated alleles of the Brassica napus FAD3 desaturase genes in the low linolenic mutant recombinants in breeding programs.

The harvest of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.): The effective yield losses at on-farm scale in the Italian area

Abstract: The oilseed rape is an interesting oil crop for energy production. In Italy there are many potential available areas for crop cultivation thanks to adequate rainfall and mild winters. The diffusion of rapeseed is restrained by the significant seed losses caused by mechanical harvesting and meteorological events. Aim of the study was to determine the effective seed losses taking into account all the phases of harvesting, from ripening to harvest, at on-farm scale. The combine used for mechanical harvester was equipped with two different header: a grain head and a specific oilseed rape head. The lost seed was collected by appropriate trays inserted between the crop rows on the ground, before and during the harvesting. The specific oilseed rape head permitted a general reduction of the seed losses, below the ranges reported in literature, and a more precise determination of the point where the losses were higher, as the terminus parts of the head.

Comparison of analytical and sensory lipid oxidation parameters in conventional and high-oleic rapeseed oil

Abstract: Headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography was used to identify in total 55 volatile lipid oxidation compounds in thermally stressed conventional and high-oleic rapeseed oil samples. Out of this profile, 17 volatile compounds with low odor threshold values were selected as target compounds for the assessment of lipid oxidation in rapeseed and high-oleic rapeseed oils. Additionally, other lipid oxidation parameters such as fatty acid composition, peroxide value, anisidine value, and induction time (Rancimat analysis) were determined. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis in combination with agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis) were applied to identify sensitive volatile lipid oxidation indicators enabling the differentiation of rapeseed oil samples of different varieties (high-oleic versus conventional). Moreover, these statistical methods were capable of differentiating rapeseed oils of different oxidative properties. Octanal and 3-octanone showed the highest ability to differentiate between samples of different rapeseed varieties, whereas propanal, E,E-2,4-hexadienal, and E-2-heptenal were most suitable in differentiating rapeseed oil samples with different oxidative properties from each other. Clustering of rapeseed oil samples according to their volatile compound composition was comparable with results of sensory duo-trio and paired comparison tests, but the analytical approach of the volatile compound analysis in combination with chemometric methods detected changes sooner in relation to the flavor composition of rapeseed oils and high-oleic rapeseed oil samples. Practical applications: The combination of volatile compound analysis by HS-SPME-GC with multivariate statistical methods and complementary sensory duo-trio and one-sided paired comparison tests are sensitive tools in differentiating conventional and high-oleic rapeseed oil samples with different lipid oxidation properties. The presented methods are suitable techniques for the detection of initial changes of lipid oxidation progress in edible oils.

Optimized biodiesel production and environmental assessment of produced biodiesel

Abstract: Present study deals with the optimization of biodiesel production using rapeseed oil as feedstock and NaOCH3 as a catalyst. Optimization of different reaction parameters, such as catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time. and alcohol to oil molar ratio, was done using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal experimental conditions for biodiesel production were as follows: catalyst concentration (%) 0.30, reaction temperature 55°C, molar ratio 6.75, and reaction time 60 min. Under these optimal conditions, 97.5 percentage yield of biodiesel was obtained. The observed and predicted values of rapeseed oil methyl esters (ROMEs) yield showed a linear relationship. The fuel properties such as specific gravity 0.876 ± 0.01, flash point 168 ± 0.48°C, fire point 197.8 ± 0.31°C, pour point −7 ± 0.060°C, cloud point −2 ± 0.10°C kinematic viscosity 4.42 ± 0.26 mm2/sec, and sulfur content 0.002 mg/Kg of the produced biodiesel show the suitability of rapeseed oil biodiesel, as fuel. Moreover, engine performance test of the Rapeseed oil biodiesel (rapeseed oil methyl esters, ROME) was examined. The results showed that CO and particulate matter (PM) emissions of the ROME were lower than those of diesel fuel. NOX emissions of the ROME were lower for B5, B20, B40, and B50, while higher for B80 and B100. These results show the environment benefits of biodiesel.

Virgin rapeseed oils obtained from different rape varieties by cold pressed method – their characteristics, properties, and differences

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare different rape varieties. For this purpose oil from six different varieties of rapeseeds was cold pressed under laboratory conditions. In the obtained rapeseed oils the fatty acids composition and minor components, characteristic values (acid value; AV and TOTOX), oxidative stability (DSC test), and volatiles were determined and a sensory evaluation was carried out. The highest oxidative stability was found for oil from sample 5 (IP = 158 min), which also has the lowest amount of C18:3 (7.8%), chlorophylls (0.083 mg/kg), and metals (Cu2+ 0.02 mg/kg and Fe2+ 0.08 mg/kg). This oil has also the lowest AV (0.17 mg KOH/g), which may be related to the lowest moisture content of the seeds prior to extraction. It was characterized by the highest rapeseed flavor intensity. The lowest induction period was observed for samples 3 and 6 (100 min). Although sample 3 had the same low level of metals as sample 5 and the highest concentration of tocopherols (635 mg/kg), PUFA (33.9%), and AV (1.37 mg KOH/g) it also had the lowest intensity of rapeseed flavor among the analyzed oils. Sample 6, despite its low percentage of PUFA (24.7%), conjugated diens and triens, and the lowest content of total volatiles (0.4Vs), had the highest concentration of metals (Cu2+ 0.04 mg/kg and Fe2+ 0.34 mg/kg).

Screening of glucosinolate-degrading strains and its application in improving the quality of rapeseed meal

Abstract: Two myrosinase-producing fungi, Lichtheimia sp. JN3C and Aspergillus terreus, were newly isolated from decayed rapeseed meal samples obtained in Anhui Province, China. After preliminary screening, re-screening and combination of two screened strains with a yeast, an optimal composite strain to ferment rapeseed meal was obtained. Results demonstrated that the glucosinolate content of products with two molds fermentation was overall lower than that with single strain fermentation. Fermentation with composite strains containing Candida tropicalis CICIM Y0079(T) had a similar glucosinolate content, whereas the protein content was remarkably increased compared to two molds fermentation. Under sterile conditions, a 96-h fermentation with the composite strains resulted in the degradation of 66.2% of crude fiber, 28.3% of phytic acid, and 98% of total glucosinolates, which are responsible for goiter, and an increase of the protein and tannins content by 27.4 and 15.8%, respectively. In addition, glucosinolates and protein content under the non-sterile condition were not significantly different compared to the sterile condition. The fermentation greatly improved the nutritional quality of rapeseed meal by both degrading undesired substances and increasing protein content.