Phytochemical analysis and aging assessment of canola seeds supported by hyperspectral imaging

Soil salinity is a major constraint to crop establishment and yield, particularly during germination and early seedling development of Brassica napus. Here, we report that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) biosynthesized using Pseudomonas aeruginosa alleviate salinity stress through coordinated physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. Comprehensive physicochemical analyses confirmed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite ZnONPs with a plate-like morphology (thickness ~ 54.5nm) and an optical band gap of 3.01eV. Canola seeds were primed with ZnONPs (25-100mg L⁻¹) under control or 150 mM NaCl stress and subsequently grown in hydroponics. Salt stress reduced germination (41%), biomass, and vigor, while elevating lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species. ZnONPs, particularly at 50mg L⁻¹, restored germination to control levels, enhanced shoot (52cm) and root (35cm) elongation, and nearly doubled salt-stressed biomass. ZnONP treatment suppressed malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ accumulation below control values, while up-regulating superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Furthermore, ZnONPs reduced osmolyte (proline and glycine betaine) accumulation, increased chlorophyll content, lowered Na⁺, and elevated K⁺ and Zn uptake, thereby improving ion homeostasis. Transcript analysis revealed that salinity strongly induced the stress-responsive kinase BnSRK2D (~ 86-fold) and repressed auxin-responsive genes, whereas 50mg L⁻¹ ZnONPs normalized these responses, down-modulating stress signaling and restoring auxin pathways. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that biogenic ZnONPs mitigate salinity stress in B. napus through integrated regulation of antioxidant defense, ion balance, and hormone-mediated gene expression, highlighting their potential as sustainable nanopriming agents for crop improvement under saline conditions.

Influence of moisture content and sub-zero storage conditions on thermogram behaviour of canola seeds

An integrated mechanistic modeling and machine learning for radio frequency heating uniformity optimization of canola seeds

Simple SummaryCanola seed is a high-energy oilseed that can be used in broiler diets as an alternative to traditional ingredients, like corn and soybean meal. However, its nutrients are encapsulated by a fibrous hull, limiting digestibility. This study evaluated the effects of grinding canola seed and adding enzymes to improve its nutritional value. The results showed that ground canola seed (GCS) significantly increased energy availability and fat digestibility. Broilers fed up to 150 g/kg of GCS maintained normal growth, metabolism, and carcass traits. Higher inclusion levels reduced performance, especially in early growth. Therefore, GCS can be safely included in broiler diets up to 150 g/kg without adverse effects.Canola seed is a high-energy oilseed with potential as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets, yet its use is limited by nutrient encapsulation and antinutritional factors. This study aimed to evaluate the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of canola seed and its effects on broiler performance, organ development, serum biochemical profile, and carcass yield from hatch to 42 days of age. A digestibility trial was conducted using 300 broilers in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design (whole vs. ground seed, with or without enzyme, at 100 or 200 g/kg replacement). A performance trial involved 660 broilers fed diets with 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g/kg of ground canola seed (GCS). Grinding without enzyme addition significantly increased AME from 2318 to 3864 kcal/kg and AME corrected for nitrogen retention (AMEn) from 2192 to 3734 kcal/kg (p < 0.05). An interaction was observed between seed x enzyme and seed × levels (p < 0.05). Addition of enzymes increased the AME value of canola from 3091 to 4091 kcal/kg and the AMEn value from 2963 to 3958 kcal/kg (p < 0.001). Inclusion of GCS up to 150 g/kg did not affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), organ index, serum parameters, or carcass traits (p > 0.05). However, higher inclusion levels (200 and 250 g/kg) reduced body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) and worsened FCR, particularly in the early growth stages (p > 0.05). In the period 1–42 days of age, only the 250 g/kg level worsened FCR (p < 0.001), and BWG decreased in 200 and 250 g/kg (p < 0.001). In conclusion, GCS can be included up to 150 g/kg in broiler diets without compromising performance or metabolism, and grinding combined with enzyme supplementation enhances its nutritional value.

ABSTRACT Canola ( Brassica napus L.) seeds are small and exhibit significant variability in size, resulting in a decreased emergence percentage (EP) and reduced uniformity in the field. Additionally, canola seedlings are susceptible to Rhizoctonia solani in the early growth stages. This research aimed to investigate the effects of seed pelleting with different fillers, binders and biomaterials on canola's emergence quality, early growth and seedling health. The first experiment was conducted in the seed laboratory and greenhouses. The treatments included four types of fillers: calcium sulphate + zeolite (CS + Z), calcium sulphate + talc (CS + T), calcium sulphate + calcium carbonate (CS + CC) and calcium carbonate + bentonite (CC + B). Additionally, three types of binder materials were evaluated: gum arabic, selenium dioxide and carboxymethylcellulose. The results showed that the composition of carboxymethylcellulose as a binder, combined with a filler mixture of calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate, significantly increased the emergence rate and early growth compared to non‐pelleted seeds. Furthermore, this seed pelleting treatment did not adversely affect seed emergence. The highest emergence rate (0.185), leaf area (3.94 cm 2 ), shoot growth rate (0.019 cm day −1 ), leaf chlorophyll content (41.03), plant length vigour index (3543), root value (1.35) and plant weight vigour index (26.66) were observed in seeds pelleted with a composition of CS + CC (200 g calcium sulphate + 50 g calcium carbonate per 10 g seed −1 ), and carboxymethylcellulose (30 g carboxymethylcellulose per 10 g seed −1 ). Because the seeds pelleted with this combination had the highest sphericity, pelleting efficiency and the lowest fragmentation number and dissolution time. The second experiment evaluated the effects of four levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg g −1 ) of extracts from Thymus vulgaris , Lavandula officinalis , Cinnamomum verum and Salvia rosmarinus . The results showed that T. vulgaris extract at a concentration of 2000 ppm significantly controlled the growth of R. solani . The third experiment was conducted in the seed laboratory and greenhouses. The treatments included pelleted seeds with the same superior treatment as in the first experiment (CS + CC (200 g/10 g −1 + 50 g/10 g −1 ) + CMC 2 (30 g/10 g −1 )), to which four medicinal plant extracts ( T. vulgaris , L. officinalis , C. verum and S. rosmarinus ) and five concentrations (0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) were added. The results showed that the highest percentages of emergence (67%), emergence rate (0.085 seeds per day), leaf number (9.6), shoot dry weight (0.42 g), root dry weight (0.35 g) and seedling vigour index (57.49) were observed in seeds pelleted with 2000 ppm T. vulgaris extract. In conclusion, the use of a combination of calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate and carboxymethylcellulose for seed pelleting, alongside T. vulgaris extract as an environmentally friendly antifungal agent, has been shown to enhance the quality of canola seeds and improve the disease resistance of canola seedlings in soils infested with R. solani .

ABSTRACTCharacterization of water status in grains is essential for grain drying, storage, and handling. A state diagram of canola seeds was developed incorporating the freezing curve, glass transition line, and critical moisture content (MC) at which freezable water first appears using differential scanning calorimetry. Cooling and heating rates of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20°C/min were tested, and 1°C/min was used to determine the freezing and melting parameters such as peak temperature, onset temperature, and enthalpy. Below 17.8% MCs, the freezing point varied, and the minimum was about −26°C, whereas, beyond 17.8% MC, the freezing point increased to −6.72 ± 0.18°C at 35.8% MC. The critical MC was about 16%. Below this threshold, all remaining water exists as unfreezable water. Multiple glass transitions were observed across all tested MCs, with the first glass transition becoming undetectable above 6.2% MCs. As MC increased, the temperatures of the second and third glass transitions decreased, reaching 63.46 ± 0.39°C and 73.38 ± 0.98°C, respectively, at 35.8% MC. The developed state diagram will be useful for understanding effects of MC and temperature on the water state, and it will offer guidance for drying, handling, and storage strategies for canola seeds.Practical ApplicationsThe state diagram aims to elucidate changes in water state as a function of MC and temperature, ultimately informing the selection of suitable conditions for handling and storage of canola. In addition, the state diagram will be used to determine the material state and knowledge about the material state is necessary for selecting suitable drying conditions.

Retraction Note: The Immunogenicity of a Novel Chimeric Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase-Fusion Antigen from Newcastle Disease Virus by Oral Delivery of Transgenic Canola Seeds to Chickens.

Background:One possible method to improve ruminant nutrient utilization is heat treatment of feed ingredients, such as canola seed and its meal, to reduce ruminal degradation of proteins and unsaturated fatty acids (FA).Objective:The study evaluates the impact of heat treatment of canola seed and its meal on nutrient degradation, ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA, and rumen liquor parameters.Methods:Four degradability trials were conducted using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec) with four vessels. Untreated whole canola seeds, heated whole canola seeds, untreated canola meal, and heated canola meal at 127°C for 15 minutes were used as four treatments in four separate trials.Results:Heat treatment of whole canola seed and its meal decreased the rumen degradability of most nutrients, especially crude protein and crude fat, and reduced the rumen ammonia concentration. Moreover, the heat treatment of whole canola seed decreased the rumen biohydrogenation of mono unsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, and total long-chain FA contents. Heat-treated canola seed and meal had an increase in the total volatile FA content (especially acetate, propionate, and iso-valerate) of the rumen fluid when compared to the untreated groups.Conclusion:From the obtained results, it could be concluded that the heat treatment of whole canola seed and its meal was effective in protecting the dietary crude protein from rumen degradation, and also the unsaturated FA from ruminal biohydrogenation. Heat treatment increases the rumen bypass of both amino acids and unsaturated FA from canola seeds and meals, which are essential in improving the productive performance of ruminants.

Abstract The research aimed to assess the use of canola seeds (Brassica napus L.) supplemented with tannins on pH, IVDMD, and IVOMD in both two-phase digestibility environments (rumen and post-rumen). The study employed a one way anova with four treatments and five replications. The approach employed in vitro Telley and Terry with two phases digestibility to observe in the stage I (rumen) and stage II (after rumen). This study analyzed of the pH levels, IVDMD at stages I and II, and IVOMD at stages I and II. The results indicated that adding tannin to canola seeds created a pH value in the rumen that was consistent with the normal range and IVOMD rumen (stage I) and post-rumen (stage II) were 39.85-45.31% (P&lt;0.05) and 53.44-57.69% (P&lt;0.05), respectively. The IVDMD in the rumen and stage II (post-rumen) were 25.56-36.77% and 35.21-45.22% (P&lt;0.05). According to the result, the study concluded, that canola seeds with tannin contents of 1.5% and 10% in the diet showed different degrees of nutritional digestibility in the ruminant digestive tract. However, it has no effect on the pH of rumen.

To expand and implement the cultivation of canola in an agricultural production system, it is essential for the production and use of high-quality seeds. The objective of this research is to evaluate the germination of hybrid seed during different sowing and harvesting dates. The experiment was conducted at the experimental site and the Seed Laboratory of Federal University of Viçosa. The hybrids canola Hyola 432, 433, 401 and 61 were sown and harvest in different dates. After the seed processing, the seeds were evaluated for germination, first count of germination, speed of germination, time, and average velocity of germination. The experimental design was a randomized complete block 4 hybrids x 4 sowing times x 3 harvest times and with four replications. Data from qualitative factors were submitted to variance analysis and compared by Tukey’s test and quantitatively factors were compared by regression analysis. To harvest seeds with high physiological quality it is necessary to sow between May and June and harvest after reaching physiological maturity until a maximum of 10 days. The seeds of Hyola 401 showed better seed quality, based on the results of all the variables studied, regardless of sowing and harvesting date.

Canola meal is a protein source for poultry feeding. Canola has anti-nutritional compounds whose effects can be reduced during processing. The research aim is to investigate the processing methods of canola seed by irradiation, roasting, and enzyme methods on the broiler chicken traits. To experiment, 450 day-old broiler chickens of the Ross 308 strain were placed in 30 pens. Treatments included the control treatment (without canola seeds), the treatment containing raw canola seeds, and 3 treatments processed by enzymes, gamma rays, and roasting methods. Repeat were 6 in all treatments. The traits were growth performance, blood and immune parameters, liver enzymes, and antibody titers against Bronchitis and Gumboro disease. GLM procedure and Duncan's test (α=0.05) by SAS software were used for data analysis and to compare treatment' means, respectively. The processing methods effect was significant (P&lt;0.01) on the protein solubility percentage in KOH, the peroxide number, and the urease activity. Also, the processing methods effect was significant (P&lt;0.05) on the feed consumption in different rearing phases, body weight gains in the starter and grower phases, FCR in all rearing phases, the total protein concentration, uric acid, kidney enzymes, and antibody titers. In general, the gamma radiation and roasting improved the chicken's traits. The canola seed processing increases the absorption of its nutrients by reducing anti-nutrient compounds. Improving antibody titers against Bronchitis and Gumboro diseases is very effective in health management and herd vaccination, and will reduce related costs. Feed processing can change nutrient requirements by influencing activities related to feed consumption.

Progressive climate change increases drought frequency, severely impacting crop growth and yield. New eco-friendly alternatives to chemical protection agents and fertilisers are needed to reduce pollution and enhance plant health. This study evaluated the effects of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and the hydrogel (potassium polyacrylate) on Brassica napus L. during drought conditions. After in vitro and pot experiments, Serratia plymuthica was selected from six PGPR candidates based on its ability to enhance plant biomass, shoot length, and number of internodes. The seed viability test, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and SOD activity showed no adverse effects of applying hydrogel to canola seeds. Moreover, the hydrogel did not show toxicity towards tested bacterial strains. Field trials during the drought demonstrated that inoculation with S. plymuthica significantly increased the number of siliques (16.48%) and yield (19.93%), compared to controls. Plants grown from inoculated seeds were also taller (3.28%) and had more branches (39.99%). We also analysed seedling emergence, number of internodes, thousand seeds’ weight, and seed moisture. The hydrogel applied to the soil delayed seedling emergence and dampened the growth-promoting effect of S. plymuthica, resulting in reduced yield. Compared with plants inoculated with S. plymuthica, there was a decrease in the yield of plants treated solely with hydrogel and in plants treated with hydrogel and the bacterium of 23.61% and 27.79%, respectively. Our results indicate that S. plymuthica has a high potential for use in commercial canola farming, especially as an ingredient added to seed coatings.

This study investigated nymph developmental time and survivorship, adult body weight, and the impact of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) on seeds of canola at different stages of maturation. Tests were conducted under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 10% relative humidity, and L14:D10 h photoperiod) in the laboratory using rearing cages. Treatments were set at random and statistically analyzed using program 'R'. Results indicated that total nymph developmental time was significantly longer on green seed stage and early maturation seeds compared to advanced maturation seeds. Survivorship was high on all three food sources (≥80%). Adults exhibited significantly higher fresh body weight when fed on advanced maturation seeds compared to those fed on green stage or early maturation seeds. Adult feeding caused significant seed damage and dry weight loss across all seed stages, with green stage seeds experiencing the highest levels of damage and dry weight loss. Early maturation seeds and advanced maturation seeds showed no significant difference between them. These information reveal that N. viridula feeds and cause damage to canola seeds and may help to improve management of this pest in the field.

This study investigated the effect of different levels of crude and processed canola seeds in the finisher's diet on broiler chickens' growth performance and meat quality traits. A total of 1056 Ross-308 broiler chickens, comprising both sexes, were used in a completely randomized design with 16 treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates, and each replicate consisted of 11 birds. Treatment 1 involved a basal diet adjusted with corn-soybean meal, while treatments 2-16 involved the replacement of three types of canola seeds (crude, micronized, and super-conditioned) at five levels (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%). The growth performance of broiler chickens was not affected by the crude and processed canola seeds added to the finisher diet in the experimental treatments (p&gt;0.05). Additionally, at the end of the experimental period (42 days), the effect of the experimental treatments on measuring the quality indices of breast and thigh meat was examined. The results showed that the drip loss of breast and thigh meat was influenced significantly by the processing of canola seed (p&lt;0.01). Furthermore, the main effects of super-conditioned and crude canola seed processing in the diet had a significant impact on the decrease in breast and thigh meat quality, with super-conditioning having the most significant effect and crude having the least effect, and there were no significant interactions between them on other quality measurement indices (p&lt;0.01). Based on the results obtained from this experiment, canola seed processing using the super-conditioning method was more effective in drip loss compared to the micronized method.

Seaweeds are a cheap, eco-friendly, and rich source of plant growth stimulators that can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress. This study examined the impact of Sargassum bovianum extracts obtained through different techniques using pressure, heat, and microwave radiations on the germination and growth of wheat, corn, and canola seeds under varying salinity levels (500, 3500, and 6500 µS cm−1). The findings showed that pressure, microwave, and acidic extraction methods were the most effective in extracting polysaccharides, alginate, and nutrients from S. bovianum. Seaweed extract significantly improved the mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) of wheat under high salinity stress and had a positive effect on wheat plumule length (PL) and germination percentage (GP). However, seaweed extract had no significant impact on canola seeds in salinity stress, except for improved canola PL. The PL and seedling vigor index (SVI) of corn were enhanced in low salinity levels, but most treatments reduced PL and SVI in high salinity. This study suggests that using heat, pressure, and microwave techniques for seaweed extraction results in higher polysaccharides and alginate content, leading to improved germination and plant growth, particularly in wheat and canola. These findings can help growers optimize the germination and growth of these important crops.

The objective of the current study was to investigate the selectivity of supercritical-CO2 for extraction and concentration of Vitamin E components from canola seeds. The selectively extracted Vitamin E in supercritical-CO2 solvent was related to pressure, temperature, and density through the developed thermodynamic modeling approach. The results suggested that increased pressure and density would enhance the selectivity of supercritical-CO2 solvent, consequently obtaining highly concentrated Vitamin E. The thermodynamic modeling equations have correlated the selectivity of supercritical-CO2 solvent for extracting Vitamin E in terms of processing conditions including pressure, temperature, and density of the supercritical-CO2 solvent fluid. The activity coefficient in thermodynamic modeling was involved with those key parameters that are important in determining selectivity, concentration, and extraction results. The supercritical-CO2 solvent can be made highly selective by precisely controlling the operating pressure and temperature. This allowed the supercritical-CO2 solvent to achieve the desired density in the supercritical phase, thereby enhancing the selectivity for targeted components. The thermodynamic mathematical modeling offered valuable insights for enhancing extraction processes in industrial settings. A high regression coefficient via linear structural modeling analysis indicated that the response equation fitted with the experimental data (R2 = 0.8737). The experimental results for the separation parameters provide optimal selectivity of supercritical-CO2 solvent for extracting and concentrating Vitamin E compounds for establishing commercial production.

Abstract Expeller-pressed canola meal (ECM) is a co-product obtained from expeller-pressing canola seeds to obtain canola oil, and it has potential as a cost-effective feedstuff in swine diets. Also, ECM may be a superior protein source compared with solvent-extracted canola meal due to its greater digestible amino acid (AA) contents. However, limited information is available on the effects of enzyme supplementation on AA digestibility in ECM for pigs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of multi-carbohydrase (MC) and protease supplementation on the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in ECM when fed to growing pigs. A total of 12 barrows (65.9 ± 5.0 kg initial body weight), each fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, were allocated for 2 studies: the current study (4 treatments) and another study with 8 treatments. Pigs were arranged in a 12 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 12 diets and 6 periods, resulting in 6 observations per dietary treatment. Four dietary treatments were: 1) basal ECM diet; 2) ECM diet with MC supplementation (1 kg/tonne); 3) ECM diet with protease supplementation (250 g/tonne); and 4) ECM diet with both MC and protease supplementation. A casein diet was fed to all 12 pigs for 1 wk after feeding experimental treatments to quantify endogenous losses of AA. All diets contained 0.3% titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Pigs were fed 1 of the 4 diets during each of the 7-d periods, and ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 from 0800 to 1700 h. Pigs were fed the diets at 2.8 times maintenance energy requirement based on their body weight at the beginning of each period. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included MC, protease, and their interaction as fixed effects, and replication, animal within replication, and period within replication as random effects. Protease supplementation did not affect AID or SID of AA in ECM. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in MC supplementation on AID and SID of AA, except for a significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the AID of Gly with MC supplementation compared with the non-supplemented diet. No interactive effects were found between MC and protease supplementation on the AID and SID of AA in growing pigs. In conclusion, the digestibility of AA in ECM fed to growing pigs with and without enzyme supplementation did not differ, and no interactive effects were observed. Future studies will aim to investigate the dose-effect to accurately determine whether the absence of an effect was attributable to improper enzyme-to-substrate ratio.

Abstract A field experiment was carried out during the winter season (2022/2023) in the fields of the Al-Nouriyah Forest Division of the Ministry of Agriculture in Al-Diwaniyah province. The objective was to examine the impact of three different levels of sulfur fertilizer (0, 40, and 60 kg S ha-1) and certain biostimulants (excluding stimulant, biofertilizer, humic acid, and ascorbic acid) on Canola seed growth, yield, and oxidative activity. The experimental design employed a factorial arrangement with a completely randomized block design and three replicates to distribute treatment combinations among the factors. The means of the combinations were compared using the least significant difference test, with a significance level of 0.05. The results demonstrated that sulfur addition at a rate of 60 kg S ha-1 produced the highest averages for the majority of the measured characteristics. The results of the study were also significantly impacted by the application of biostimulants, including humic acid sprinkling at a 2 g concentration. With the highest average values for leaf pigment content and plant height, L-1 significantly outperformed the competition. The ascorbic acid spray treatment at a concentration of 200 mg L-1 yielded the highest average values for the remaining qualitative and medicinal characteristics that were investigated, with the exception of total chlorophyll and the weight of 200 seeds. The significant impact was also observed in the interaction among the study factors. The experimental condition involving a concentration of 60 kg S ha-1 Humic resulted in the highest weight of 200 seeds, as determined by plant height, total chlorophyll content in foliage, and biological yield.

The excessive accumulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) in soil can result in soil salinity, which poses a significant challenge to plant growth and crop production due to impaired water and nutrient uptake. On the other hand, hydropriming (WP) and low level of NaCl priming can improve the germination of seeds, chlorophyll contents, oil and seed yield in plants. That’s why this study investigates the impact of hydro and different levels of NaCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) priming, as pre-treatment techniques on canola seeds germination, growth and yield of two varieties Punjab and Faisal Canola. Results showed that, WP performed significant best for increase in germination (~ 20 and ~ 22%) and shoot length (~ 6 and ~ 10%) over non-priming (NP) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. A significant increase in plant height (~ 6 and ~ 7%), root length (~ 1 and ~ 7%), shoot fresh weight (~ 5 and ~ 7%), root fresh weight (~ 6 and ~ 7%) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. It was also observed that plants under WP and 0.5%NaCl priming were also better in production of seed yield per plant, oil contents, silique per plant, seeds per silique, and branches per plant chlorophyll contents and leaf relative water contents over NP. In conclusion, WP and 0.5%NaCl has potential to improve the germination, growth, yield and oil attributes of canola compared to non-priming, 1.0%NaCl priming, 1.5%NaCl priming and 2.0%NaCl priming.