Showing papers on "Rapeseed published in 2020"

Knockout of two BnaMAX1 homologs by CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis improves plant architecture and increases yield in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Abstract: Plant height and branch number are essential components of rapeseed plant architecture and are directly correlated with its yield. Presently, improvement of plant architecture is a major challenge in rapeseed breeding. In this study, we first verified that the two rapeseed BnaMAX1 genes had redundant functions resembling those of Arabidopsis MAX1, which regulates plant height and axillary bud outgrowth. Therefore, we designed two sgRNAs to edit these BnaMAX1 homologs using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The T0 plants were edited very efficiently (56.30%-67.38%) at the BnaMAX1 target sites resulting in homozygous, heterozygous, bi-allelic and chimeric mutations. Transmission tests revealed that the mutations were passed on to the T1 and T2 progeny. We also obtained transgene-free lines created by the CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and no mutations were detected in potential off-target sites. Notably, simultaneous knockout of all four BnaMAX1 alleles resulted in semi-dwarf and increased branching phenotypes with more siliques, contributing to increased yield per plant relative to wild type. Therefore, these semi-dwarf and increased branching characteristics have the potential to help construct a rapeseed ideotype. Significantly, the editing resources obtained in our study provide desirable germplasm for further breeding of high yield in rapeseed.

Targeted mutagenesis of BnTT8 homologs controls yellow seed coat development for effective oil production in Brassica napus L.

Abstract: Yellow seed is a desirable trait with great potential for improving seed quality in Brassica crops. Unfortunately, no natural or induced yellow seed germplasms have been found in Brassica napus, an important oil crop, which likely reflects its genome complexity and the difficulty of the simultaneous random mutagenesis of multiple gene copies with functional redundancy. Here, we demonstrate the first application of CRISPR/Cas9 for creating yellow-seeded mutants in rapeseed. The targeted mutations of the BnTT8 gene were stably transmitted to successive generations, and a range of homozygous mutants with loss-of-function alleles of the target genes were obtained for phenotyping. The yellow-seeded phenotype could be recovered only in targeted mutants of both BnTT8 functional copies, indicating that the redundant roles of BnA09.TT8 and BnC09.TT8b are vital for seed colour. The BnTT8 double mutants produced seeds with elevated seed oil and protein content and altered fatty acid (FA) composition without any serious defects in the yield-related traits, making it a valuable resource for rapeseed breeding programmes. Chemical staining and histological analysis showed that the targeted mutations of BnTT8 completely blocked the proanthocyanidin (PA)-specific deposition in the seed coat. Further, transcriptomic profiling revealed that the targeted mutations of BnTT8 resulted in the broad suppression of phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis genes, which indicated a much more complex molecular mechanism underlying seed colour formation in rapeseed than in Arabidopsis and other Brassica species. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed the possible mechanism through which BnTT8 altered the oil content and fatty acid composition in seeds.

Oilseeds beyond oil: Press cakes and meals supplying global protein requirements

Abstract: Background The world's demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050. The environmental and health concerns about its production and consumption have thus promoted the evaluation of alternative sources. Oilseed press cakes and meals represent a promising alternative, due to high levels of production globally, and because they are naturally rich in high quality protein. Scope and approach This review will provide information on the suitability of obtaining protein from the main oilseeds (soya, rapeseed/canola and sunflower). Topics covered will be chemical, protein and amino acid composition; patented and published protein extraction protocols, and the issue of antinutrients and protein digestibility. Key findings and conclusions On average, crude protein percentages are soybean (32–43.6% DW) > rapeseed/canola (25–30% DW) > sunflower (10–27% DW). Soy and rape have well balanced amino acid composition, while sunflower is deficient in lysine. Rape contains high levels of antinutrients, also present in soybean. Aqueous extraction remains the protein-enrichment technique of choice in commercial processes, although the use of salt instead of acid or alkali has been a major improvement regarding the protein quality and environmental hazards. Nevertheless, the use of physical methodologies appears as a “green” and affordable option, adequate as well to preserve proteins quality. Despite its outstanding functional and nutritional properties, soy protein allergenicity remains the main barrier for consumption, and also for rape. Sunflower protein low allergenicity and absence of antinutrients forecasts increased use.

Stomata and Xylem Vessels Traits Improved by Melatonin Application Contribute to Enhancing Salt Tolerance and Fatty Acid Composition of Brassica napus L. Plants

Abstract: Salinity stress is a limiting factor for the growth and yield quality of rapeseed. The potentiality of melatonin (MT; 0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) application as a seed priming agent in mediating K+/Na+ homeostasis and preventing the salinity stress mediated oxidative damage and photosynthetic inhibition was studied in two rapeseed cultivars. We found that 50 µM MT treatment imparted a very prominent impact on growth, metabolism of antioxidants, photosynthesis, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, yield, and fatty acids composition. Days required for appearance of first flower and 50% flowering were decreased by MT application. Exogenous MT treatment effectively decreased the oxidative damage by significantly declining the generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide under saline and non-saline conditions, as reflected in lowered lipid peroxidation, heightened membrane stability, and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Furthermore, MT application enhanced the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, relative water content, K+/Na+ homeostasis, soluble sugars, and proline content. Moreover, MT application obviously improved the oil quality of rapeseed cultivars by reducing glucosinolates, saturated fatty acids (palmitic and arachidic acids), and enhancing unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic and oleic acids except erucic acid were reduced). Yield related-traits such as silique traits, seed yield per plant, 1000 seeds weight, seed oil content, and yield biomass traits were enhanced by MT application. The anatomical analysis of leaf and stem showed that stomatal and xylem vessels traits are associated with sodium chloride tolerance, yield, and seed fatty acid composition. These results suggest the supportive role of MT on the quality and quantity of rapeseed oil yield.

Elevating seed oil content in a polyploid crop by induced mutations in SEED FATTY ACID REDUCER genes.

Abstract: Plant-based oils are valuable agricultural products, and seed oil content (SOC) is the major yield component in oil crops. Increasing SOC has been successfully targeted through the selection and genetic modification of oil biosynthesis. The SOC in rapeseed declined during the seed maturation and eventually caused the final accumulated seed oil quantity. However, genes involved in oil degradation during seed maturity are not deeply studied so far. We performed a candidate gene association study using a worldwide collection of rapeseed germplasm. We identified SEED FATTY ACID REDUCER (SFAR) genes, which had a significant effect on SOC and fatty acid (FA) composition. SFAR genes belong to the GDSL lipases, and GDSL lipases have a broad range of functions in plants. After quantification of gene expression using RNA-seq and quantitative PCR, we used targeted (CRISPR-Cas mediated) and random (chemical) mutagenesis to modify turnover rates of seed oil in winter rapeseed. For the first time, we demonstrate significant increase of SOC in a crop after knocking out members of the BnSFAR4 and BnSFAR5 gene families without pleiotropic effects on seed germination, vigour and oil mobilization. Our results offer new perspectives for improving oil yield by targeted mutagenesis.

Gene editing of three BnITPK genes in tetraploid oilseed rape leads to significant reduction of phytic acid in seeds.

Abstract: Commercialization of Brassica napus. L (oilseed rape) meal as protein diet is gaining more attention due to its well-balanced amino acid and protein contents. Phytic acid (PA) is a major source of phosphorus in plants but is considered as anti-nutritive for monogastric animals including humans due to its adverse effects on essential mineral absorption. The undigested PA causes eutrophication, which potentially threatens aquatic life. PA accounts to 2-5% in mature seeds of oilseed rape and is synthesized by complex pathways involving multiple enzymes. Breeding polyploids for recessive traits is challenging as gene functions are encoded by several paralogs. Gene redundancy often requires to knock out several gene copies to study their underlying effects. Therefore, we adopted CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis to knock out three functional paralogs of BnITPK. We obtained low PA mutants with an increase of free phosphorus in the canola grade spring cultivar Haydn. These mutants could mark an important milestone in rapeseed breeding with an increase in protein value and no adverse effects on oil contents.

Canola/rapeseed protein - nutritional value, functionality and food application: a review.

Abstract: Plant-based diet and plant proteins specifically are predestined to meet nutritional requirements of growing population of humans and simultaneously reduce negative effects of food production on the environment. While searching for new sources of proteins, special emphasis should be placed on oilseeds of Brassica family comprising varieties of rapeseed and canola as they contain nutritionally valuable proteins, which have potential to be used in food, but are now rarely or not used as food components. The purpose of the present work is to provide a comprehensive review of main canola/rapeseed proteins: cruciferin and napin, with the focus on their nutritional and functional features, putting special emphasis on their possible applications in food. Technological challenges to obtain rapeseed protein products that are free from anti-nutritional factors are also addressed. As molecular structure of cruciferin and napin differs, they exhibit distinct features, such as solubility, emulsifying, foaming or gelling properties. Potential allergenic effect of 2S napin has to be taken under consideration. Overall, rapeseed proteins demonstrate beneficial nutritional value and functional properties and are deemed to play important roles both in food, as well as, non-food and non-feed applications.

Stomatal and Photosynthetic Traits Are Associated with Investigating Sodium Chloride Tolerance of Brassica napus L. Cultivars.

Abstract: The negative effects of salt stress vary among different rapeseed cultivars. In this study, we investigated the sodium chloride tolerance among 10 rapeseed cultivars based on membership function values (MFV) and Euclidean cluster analyses by exposing seedlings to 0, 100, or 200 mM NaCl. The NaCl toxicity significantly reduced growth, biomass, endogenous K+ levels, relative water content and increased electrolyte leakage, soluble sugar levels, proline levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. SPAD values were highly variable among rapeseed cultivars. We identified three divergent (tolerant, moderately tolerant, and sensitive) groups. We found that Hua6919 and Yunyoushuang2 were the most salt-tolerant cultivars and that Zhongshuang11 and Yangyou9 were the most salt-sensitive cultivars. The rapeseed cultivars were further subjected to photosynthetic gas exchange and anatomical trait analyses. Among the photosynthetic gas exchange and anatomical traits, the stomatal aperture was the most highly correlated with salinity tolerance in rapeseed cultivars and thus, is important for future studies that aim to improve salinity tolerance in rapeseed. Thus, we identified and characterized two salt-tolerant cultivars that will be useful for breeding programs that aim to develop salt-tolerant rapeseed.

Zinc-lysine Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by Preventing Phytotoxicity of Chromium, When Irrigated with Tannery Wastewater

Abstract: Contamination of soil and water with metals and metalloids is one of the most serious problems worldwide due to a lack of a healthy diet and food scarcity. Moreover, the cultivation of oilseed crops such as rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) with tannery wastewater could contain a large amount of toxic heavy metals [e.g., chromium (Cr)], which ultimately reduce its yield and directly influence oilseed quality. To overcome Cr toxicity in B. napus, a pot experiment was conducted to enhance plant growth and biomass by using newly introduced role of micronutrient-amino chelates [Zinc-lysine (Zn-lys)], which was irrigated with different levels [0% (control), 33%, 66%, and 100%] of tannery wastewater. According to the results of present findings, very high content of Cr in the wastewater directly affected plant growth and composition as well as gas exchange parameters, while boosting up the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced oxidative damage in the roots and leaves of B. napus. However, activities of antioxidants initially increased (33% of wastewater), but further addition of tannery wastewater in the soil caused a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, which also manifested by Zn content, while the conscious addition of wastewater significantly increased Cr content in the roots and shoots of B. napus. To reduce Cr toxicity in B. napus plants, exogenous supplementation of Zn-lys (10 mg/L) plays an effective role in increasing morpho-physiological attributes of B. napus and also reduces the oxidative stress in the roots and leaves of the oilseed crop (B. napus). Enhancement in different growth attributes was directly linked with increased in antioxidative enzymes while decreased uptake and accumulation of Cr content in B. napus when cultivated in wastewater with the application of Zn-lys. Zn-lys, therefore, plays a protective role in reducing the Cr toxicity of B. napus through an increase in plant growth and lowering of Cr uptake in various plant organs. However, further studies at field levels are required to explore the mechanisms of Zn–lys mediated reduction of Cr and possibly other heavy metal toxicity in plants.

Targeted Knockout of BnTT2 Homologues for Yellow-Seeded Brassica napus with Reduced Flavonoids and Improved Fatty Acid Composition

Abstract: Brassica napus is one of the important oil crops grown worldwide, and oil quality improvement is a major goal in rapeseed breeding. Yellow seed is an excellent trait, which has great potential in improving seed quality and economic value. In this study, we created stable yellow seed mutants using a CRISPR/Cas9 system and obtained the yellow seed phenotype only when the four alleles of two BnTT2 homologues were knocked out, indicating that the two BnTT2 homologues had conserved but redundant functions in regulating seed color. Histochemical staining and flavonoid metabolic analysis proved that the BnTT2 mutation hindered the synthesis and accumulation of proanthocyanidins. Transcriptome analysis also showed that the BnTT2 mutation inhibited the expression of genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, which might be regulated by the complex of BnTT2, BnTT8 and BnTTG1. In addition, the homozygous mutants of BnTT2 homologues increased oil content and improved fatty acid composition with higher linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3), which could be used for the genetic improvement of rapeseed. Overall, this research showed that the BnTT2 mutation can be used for yellow seed breeding and oil improvement, which is of great significance in improving the economic value of rapeseeds.

BrassicaEDB: A Gene Expression Database for Brassica Crops.

Abstract: The genus Brassica contains several economically important crops, including rapeseed (Brassica napus, 2n = 38, AACC), the second largest source of seed oil and protein meal worldwide. However, research in rapeseed is hampered because it is complicated and time-consuming for researchers to access different types of expression data. We therefore developed the Brassica Expression Database (BrassicaEDB) for the research community. In the current BrassicaEDB, we only focused on the transcriptome level in rapeseed. We conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of 103 tissues from rapeseed cultivar ZhongShuang11 (ZS11) at seven developmental stages (seed germination, seedling, bolting, initial flowering, full-bloom, podding, and maturation). We determined the expression patterns of 101,040 genes via FPKM analysis and displayed the results using the eFP browser. We also analyzed transcriptome data for rapeseed from 70 BioProjects in the SRA database and obtained three types of expression level data (FPKM, TPM, and read counts). We used this information to develop the BrassicaEDB, including “eFP”, “Treatment”, “Coexpression”, and “SRA Project” modules based on gene expression profiles and “Gene Feature”, “qPCR Primer”, and “BLAST” modules based on gene sequences. The BrassicaEDB provides comprehensive gene expression profile information and a user-friendly visualization interface for rapeseed researchers. Using this database, researchers can quickly retrieve the expression level data for target genes in different tissues and in response to different treatments to elucidate gene functions and explore the biology of rapeseed at the transcriptome level.

An efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method using hypocotyl as explants for Brassica napus

Abstract: Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an important oil crop that supplies a considerable amount of global vegetable oil production. Genetic transformation system is important to gene functional analysis and molecular breeding. Here, an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol using hypocotyl of rapeseed as explants is described. To develop this protocol, we compared several essential factors that would affect the transformation efficiency, such as Agrobacterium strains, selection marker genes, and genotypes of rapeseed. Comparison of different Agrobacterium strains showed that the GV3101 had higher transformation efficiency than that of C58C1 and EHA105. HPTII, NPTII, and RePAT were used as selection marker genes in tissue culture. The results showed that the transformation efficiency was 3.7–4.8%, 2.2–22.5%, and 1.6–5.9% when the hypocotyl of Westar was infected by GV3101 and screened under hygromycin, kanamycin, and basta, respectively. The transformation efficiency of Westar was the highest and ZS11 was the lowest when five different genotypes of rapeseed (Westar, ZS9, ZS11, GY284, and WH3417) were infected by GV3101. Using this protocol, it will take 8–10 weeks to obtain transgenic plants. This protocol has been used to study gene function in several genotypes of rapeseed in our laboratory. These results indicate that it is efficient to obtain transgenic plant of rapeseed using this protocol.

Arabidopsis GDSL1 overexpression enhances rapeseed Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance and the functional identification of its homolog in Brassica napus

Abstract: Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating disease of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). To date, the genetic mechanisms of rapeseed' interactions with S. sclerotiorum are not fully understood, and molecular-based breeding is still the most effective control strategy for this disease. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana GDSL1 was characterized as an extracellular GDSL lipase gene functioning in Sclerotinia resistance. Loss of AtGDSL1 function resulted in enhanced susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. Conversely, overexpression of AtGDSL1 in B. napus enhanced resistance, which was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) levels, and reduced jasmonic acid levels. In addition, AtGDSL1 can cause an increase in lipid precursor phosphatidic acid levels, which may lead to the activation of downstream ROS/SA defence-related pathways. However, the rapeseed BnGDSL1 with highest sequence similarity to AtGDSL1 had no effect on SSR resistance. A candidate gene association study revealed that only one AtGDSL1 homolog from rapeseed, BnaC07g35650D (BnGLIP1), significantly contributed to resistance traits in a natural B. napus population, and the resistance function was also confirmed by a transient expression assay in tobacco leaves. Moreover, genomic analyses revealed that BnGLIP1 locus was embedded in a selected region associated with SSR resistance during the breeding process, and its elite allele type belonged to a minor allele in the population. Thus, BnGLIP1 is the functional equivalent of AtGDSL1 and has a broad application in rapeseed S. sclerotiorum-resistance breeding.

Introgression and pyramiding of genetic loci from wild Brassica oleracea into B. napus for improving Sclerotinia resistance of rapeseed

Abstract: Resistant rapeseed lines pyramided with multiple resistant QTLs derived from Brassica oleracea were developed via a hexaploidy strategy. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) suffers heavily from Sclerotinia stem rot, but the breeding of Sclerotinia-resistant rapeseed cultivar has been unsuccessful. During the study, interspecific hexaploids were generated between rapeseed variety ‘Zhongshuang 9’ and a wild B. oleracea which was highly resistant to S. sclerotiorum, followed by backcrossing with Zhongshuang 9 and successive selfing. By molecular marker-assisted selection, three major resistant QTLs were transferred and pyramided from B. oleracea into two BC1F8 lines which exhibited ~ 35% higher resistance level than Zhongshuang 9 and produced good seed yield and seed quality. It is the first report on successful development of Sclerotinia-resistant rapeseed lines by introducing multiple resistant loci from wild B. oleracea. This study revealed the effectiveness of pyramiding multiple QTLs in improving Sclerotinia resistance in rapeseed and provided a novel breeding strategy on utilization of B. oleracea in rapeseed improvement.

Impact of linolenic acid on oxidative stability of rapeseed oils

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of linolenic acid (LA) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils. Four kinds of rapeseed were harvested by unified cultivation and management in the same geographical conditions, and then four rapeseed oils with different contents of LA were obtained. The effects of linolenic acid and antioxidants (tocopherols and phytosterols) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils were evaluated. Results showed that rapeseed oil with 5.9% LA was the most stable among four rapeseed oils, followed by commercial rapeseed oil, rapeseed oil with 8.4% LA and rapeseed oil with 10.8% LA. The oxidation stability was negatively correlated with the contents of LA (r = − 0.931, p 0.05). In addition, according to the European Union Standards, shelf-life of four rapeseed oils was longer than 30 days in the shelf-life test. Therefore, increasing the LA content in rapeseed oils can be considered as an efficient approach to solve the problem of insufficient LA intake globally.

Alternatively Spliced BnaPAP2.A7 Isoforms Play Opposing Roles in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis of Brassica napus L.

Abstract: Brassica napus L (rapeseed, oilseed rape, and canola) and varieties of its two diploid parents, B oleracea and B rapa, display a large amount of variation in anthocyanin pigmentation of the leaf, stem, and fruit Here, we demonstrate that BnaPAP2A7, an ortholog of the B oleracea anthocyanin activator BoMYB2 that confers purple traits, positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in leaves of B napus Sequencing of BnaPAP2A7 and transgenic analysis suggests that activation of this gene in purple rapeseed may result from a single nucleotide and/or 2bp insertion in its promoter region BnaPAP2A7 gives rise to three splice variants, designated BnaPAP2A7-744, BnaPAP2A7-910, and BnaPAP2A7-395 according to the length of the transcripts While BnaPAP2A7-744 encodes a full-length R2R3-MYB, both BnaPAP2A7-910 and BnaPAP2A7-395 encode truncated proteins that lack both a partial R3 repeat and the complete C terminal domain, and so in vitro are unable to interact with the Arabidopsis bHLH protein AtTT8 Although expression of either BnaPAP2A7-910 or BnaPAP2A7-395 in green rapeseed does not result in purple leaves, both genes do modify genome-wide gene expression, with a strong repression of anthocyanin-related genes We have demonstrated that BnaPAPA7 regulates anthocyanin accumulation in leaves of B napus and propose a potential mechanism for modulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by alternative splicing

Bio-priming with a hypovirulent phytopathogenic fungus enhances the connection and strength of microbial interaction network in rapeseed.

Abstract: Plant disease is one of the most important causes of crop losses worldwide. The effective control of plant disease is related to food security. Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum leads to serious yield losses in rapeseed (Brassica napus) production. Hypovirulent strain DT-8 of S. sclerotiorum, infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulence-associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV-1), has the potential to control SSR. In this study, we found rapeseed bio-priming with strain DT-8 could significantly decrease the disease severity of SSR and increase yield in the field. After bio-priming, strain DT-8 could be detected on the aerial part of the rapeseed plant. By 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing technique, the microbiome on different parts of the SSR lesion on bioprimed and non-bioprimed rapeseed stem was determined. The results indicated that SSR and bio-priming treatment could influence the structure and composition of fungal and bacterial communities. Bio-priming treatment could reduce the total abundance of possible plant pathogens and enhance the connectivity and robustness of the interaction network at the genus level. This might be one of the mechanisms that rapeseed bioprimed with strain DT-8 had excellent tolerance on SSR. It might be another possible mechanism of biocontrol and will provide a theoretical guide for agricultural practical production.

A comparison in protein extraction from four major crop residues in Europe using chemical and enzymatic processes-a review

Abstract: The agricultural production of olives, rapeseed, tomatoes and citrus fruits within Europe is significant, resulting in a considerable amount of residual material. Rapeseed contains a high proportion of protein but the presence of anti-nutritional components, including glucosinolates, limits its use in food and feed applications. In contrast, the protein quantities associated with the other crop residues are much lower, although each of the residues could be separated into different constitutive parts where some have shown higher protein contents. A variety of different enzymatic based approaches to deconstruct crop residues have shown to be effective in increasing the yields of protein recovered. These studies show that valorisation of selected crop components could form the basis of a crop biorefinery process to capture proteins and other potentially useful compounds.

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 2 is involved in seed oil production in Brassica napus

Abstract: Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the main composition of plant seed oil. Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetases (LACSs) catalyze the synthesis of long-chain acyl-coenzyme A, which is one of the primary substrates for TAG synthesis. In Arabidopsis, the LACS gene family contains nine members, among which LACS1 and LACS9 have overlapping functions in TAG biosynthesis. However, functional characterization of LACS proteins in rapeseed have been rarely reported. An orthologue of the Arabidopsis LACS2 gene (BnLACS2) that is highly expressed in developing seeds was identified in rapeseed (Brassica napus). The BnLACS2-GFP fusion protein was mainly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, where TAG biosynthesis occurs. Interestingly, overexpression of the BnLACS2 gene resulted in significantly higher oil contents in transgenic rapeseed plants compared to wild type, while BnLACS2-RNAi transgenic rapeseed plants had decreased oil contents. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR expression data revealed that the expression of several genes involved in glycolysis, as well as fatty acid (FA) and lipid biosynthesis, was also affected in transgenic plants. A long chain acyl-CoA synthetase, BnLACS2, located in the endoplasmic reticulum was identified in B. napus. Overexpression of BnLACS2 in yeast and rapeseed could increase oil content, while BnLACS2-RNAi transgenic rapeseed plants exhibited decreased oil content. Furthermore, BnLACS2 transcription increased the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, and FA and lipid synthesis in developing seeds. These results suggested that BnLACS2 is an important factor for seed oil production in B. napus.

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst): A Non-Food Oilseed Crop with Great Potential: A Review

Abstract: Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Crambe’s ability to survive in diverse environmental conditions, its unique oil composition, the high oil content, suitability for the production of slip agents for plasticizers, the capacity to be easily included in common crop rotations, and its adaptability to equipment used for small grain cultivation has renewed the interest in this emerging crop. Crambe is considered one of the main sources of erucic acid, which can be up to 60% of its seed oil content. Erucic acid (C22:1) is a fatty acid with industrial importance since it is used to produce erucamide, key ingredient in the plastic industry. Inclusion of crambe into crop rotations can be beneficial because of its short life cycle, low fertility requirements, resistance to pest and diseases, and relative drought tolerance. Currently high erucic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) (HEAR) is the principal source for erucic acid. However, the risk of contaminating food quality rapeseed (i.e., canola) by cross-pollination and the negative impact on climate, due to high inputs, are potential limitations to expand HEAR cultivation. Crambe has thus great potential to, at least, partially replace HEAR as a source of erucic acid, if the current knowledge-gap in agronomic management and crop improvement (seed yield and quality) can be addressed. Seed yield needs to be increased to be able to compete with HEAR. In addition, reducing glucosinolates and fiber in crambe meal may increase its inclusion in monogastrics rations. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information on agricultural practices in crambe production and management to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research to increase the cultivation of crambe.

Marker assisted selection of new high oleic and low linolenic winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) inbred lines revealing good agricultural value.

Abstract: Development of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) breeding lines producing oil characterized by high oleic and low linolenic acid content is an important goal of rapeseed breeding programs worldwide. Such kind of oil is ideal for deep frying and can also be used as a raw material for biodiesel production. By performing chemical mutagenesis using ethyl methanesulfonate, we obtained mutant winter rapeseed breeding lines that can produce oil with a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, more than 75%) and a low content of linolenic acid (C18:3, less than 3%). However, the mutant lines revealed low agricultural value as they were characterized by low seed yield, low wintering, and high content of glucosinolates in seed meal. The aim of this work was to improve the mutant lines and develop high-oleic and low-linolenic recombinants exhibiting both good oil quality and high agronomic value. The plant materials used in this study included high-oleic and low-linolenic mutant breeding lines and high-yielding domestic canola-type breeding lines of good agricultural value with high oleic acid content and extremely low glucosinolates content. Field trials were conducted in four environments, in a randomized complete block design. Phenotyping was performed for wintering, yield of seed and oil, and seed quality traits. Genotype × environment interaction was investigated with respect to the content of C18:1 and C18:3 acids in seed oil. Genotyping was done for the selection of homozygous high oleic and low linolenic lines using allele-specific CAPS markers and SNaPshot assay, respectively. Finally, new high oleic and low linolenic winter rapeseed recombinant lines were obtained for use as a starting material for the development of new varieties that may be of high value on the oil crop market.

Valorization of Rapeseed Meal: Influence of Ethanol Antinutrients Removal on Protein Extractability, Amino Acid Composition and Fractional Profile

Abstract: The production of rapeseed oil leads to generation of large quantities of rapeseed meal as a by-product. To increase the applicability of the rapeseed meal in feed and food industries, the content of antinutrient compounds is often reduced by treatment with ethanol. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of ethanol pre-treatment of the rapeseed meal on protein extractability, amino acid composition and fractional profile. The ethanol treatment of the rapeseed meal significantly increased the protein content from 37.4 to 42.3% and reduced the lipid concentration from 1.9 to 1.1%. Approximately 4- and 14-fold reductions of the phenols and glucosinolate contents were achieved respectively. Protein yield, however, was diminished from 26.4 to 23.6%. A stronger decrease of the protein yield, from 47.8 to 26.4%, was caused by processing of the rape seeds to rapeseed meal. The process resulted in the reduction of lysine content, while further ethanol treatment of the rapeseed meal affected more amino acids, both essential (threonine, phenylalanine) and non-essential (alanine, tyrosine, arginine, histidine). Comparative fractional protein profiles of rape seeds, rapeseed meal and ethanol treated rapeseed meal exhibited differences in both composition of the fractions and the relative quantity of the proteins. Data suggested that the treatment of the rapeseed meal with ethanol impacted protein solubility, amino acid composition and protein fractional profile. This knowledge is valuable when ethanol treated rapeseed meal is used either as a protein feed additive or as a source for generation of protein-rich ingredients with specific nutritive value and functionality.