Kernel Oil Content Research Articles

Provenance variations in kernel oil content, fatty acid profile and biodiesel properties of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge in northern China

In China, plantations of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge are grown on more than 170,000 ha. X. sorbifolium is a promising bioenergy crop as its seed oil is a suitable feedstock for biodiesel. In this work, X. sorbifolium seeds were collected from 26 populations distributed over a wide geographic area across northern China. Differences were found among accessions in seeds oil contents, fatty acids profiles and quality indexes of the biodiesel. Seed oil content was found to vary from 56.54% to 76.27%. Most of the accessions showed 60–70 % oil content, and a few accessions showed more than 70 % oil content. As revealed by gas chromatography, the contents of the three major fatty acids were found to significantly vary in the seed oils is linoleic acid (C18:2) (39.83–46.05 %), followed by oleic acid (C18:1) (26.02–33.04 %) and erucic acid (C22:1) (7.71–8.99 %). In respect to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) in each of estimated classes of accessions was predominant and most abundant in broad range of minimum–maximum values from 44.42% to 51.00%. The X. sorbifolium accessions were distinctly grouped into 3 clusters on the basis of the Ward’s hierarchical clustering method. After analyzing these indicators, it showed clearly that Naiman (P9) provenance is the best performer in produce biodiesel can be selected as a source of planting material, followed by Anqiu (P18). And the relationship between these parameters and the environment was determined, the results indicate that latitude, MAT (mean annual temperature) and longitude are the three key environmental factors affecting the fatty acid profile of X. sorbifolium.

Genotypic diversity, heritability and agronomic performance high-oil maize populations

High-oil corn is has greater energy than normal corn. High-oil maize is a high negative genetic correlation between kernel oil content and grain yield. To obtain high oil content and yields maize varieties, breeding procedure design are needed to improve that kind of maize with wide genetic diversity. This study aimed to determine the genotypic variability, heritability, and performance of agronomic traits high-oil maize populations. 129 maize oil populations and three maize population as check varieties were tested in Maros Experimental station (South Sulawesi), and Jambegede Experimental station (East Java). The experimental design was used Randomized Complete Block design with two replications. Each population was grown in single row of 4 m length plot, spaced 70 cm between rows and 20 cm within row. The result showed that the location effect, genotype x environment interaction effect was significant for all traits. The Genotypic variance was considered narrow for all traits, expected maize length, number of rows per ear, and 1000-kernel weight. Broad-sense heritability was low for all observed traits, excepted for 1000-kernel weight. The 20 best populations based on the highest grain yield in both locations were selected from the basic population, MHOC0-9 had highest grain yield and MHOC0-112 lowest grain yield.

Comparison and evaluation of oil content, composition and antioxidant properties of Pistacia atlantica and Pistacia khinjuk grown as wild.

The growing demands of consumers for edible seed oils containing high unsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant content have resulted in considerable efforts to investigate plants as possible sources of oils and nuts. In this research, the amount of fatty acid compositions, total flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant properties of Pistacia atlantica and Pistacia khinjuk were evaluated. The kernel oil content of P. atlantica and P. khinjuk were 24.33 ± 0.333% and 31.00 ± 0.577%, respectively. Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, and Palmitoleic acid were the main components in the oil of the two Pistacia species. The results showed that unsaturated fatty acids accounted for approximately 77.65% and 74.87% of total fatty acids in P. atlantica and P. khinjuk, respectively. The two Pistacia species were rich in phenolic compounds (130.77± 3.11 and 126.91± 4.41 mg quercetin/100 g oil) and had high antioxidant properties (4.545± 0.655 and 15.733± 0.689 mg/g oil) in P. atlantica and P. khinjuk, respectively. Oil content and Oleic acid of the two species of Pistacia are shown/known to be higher than some other edible oils. This research showed that the kernel oil of the two species of Pistacia have the same value in terms of quality, taste and natural antioxidant qualities with other edible oils.

Transgressive segregation for high shelling percentage in summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The present investigation on transgressive segregation for high shelling percentage in summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was undertaken to study eight characters. The crosses were evaluated during summer, 2017, in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on number of mature pods/plant, dry pod yield/plant (g), dry haulm yield/plant (g), 100- kernel weight (g), shelling outturn (%), oil (%) and protein (%) contents, sound mature kernel (%). On the basis of performance of transgressive segregants, it was concluded that, transgressive breeding can be successfully used to extend the limit of expression of traits. This could be possible by accumulation of favourable genes in hybrid derivatives from both parents involved in hybridization. The superior segregants may be identified as improved varieties after adequate evaluation or used in future breeding programme for amalgamation of desired genetic constellations.

Heterosis Study in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids for Yield Attributing Traits in High Salinity Condition for Identification of Superior Sunflower Hybrids for Coastal Saline Belts

Heterosis is the increase or decrease in vigor of F1 over its mid or better parental value. One of the objectives of present study was to estimate the extent of heterosis for various characters and to isolate promising hybrids over standard check hybrids for seed yield and oil content for commercial exploitation. The development of new high yielding and stable sunflower hybrids were based on hybridization which requires information on the heterotic effects for agronomically important traits in the F1 generation. Heterotic effects for seed yield and it’s attributing traits viz., plant height and head diameter, number of seeds per head, seed filling (%), 100 seed weight (g), 100 seed kernel weight (g), volume weight (g/100cc), hull content (%), oil content (%) and oil yield (kg/ha) were studied in the sunflower hybrids developed by the line x tester method. There are significant differences among the sunflower genotypes (inbred lines and F1 hybrids) we tested with regard to the mean values of all the traits involved. The male restorer inbred with good combining abilities were used as lines in the form of fertility restorers and CMS lines as Testers. There are significant differences among the sunflower genotypes (inbred lines and F1 hybrids) we tested with regard to the mean values of all the traits involved indicating considerable amount of heterosis foe most of the traits except hull content (%), oil content and seed filling per cent. Most of the crosses exhibited high heterosis especially for number of seeds per head seed yield (kg/ha) and oil yield (kg/ha). However, mean heterosis was comparatively low for hull and oil contents. The study on heterosis in sunflower showed that the crosses with favorable characteristics such as oil and seed yields, oil and hull contents could be bred from correctly selected parents. The cross CMS-853A X EC-623027 reached the breeding aim mentioned above, especially for high vigor in seed and oil yields. CMS-103A X EC-601878 and PET-89-1A X EC-601878 showed the negative heterosis for thin hull rate and high oil content. Under present study, the genotypes, EC-601878 and EC-601751 with regard to all measured traits, CMS-852 A, CMS-103A and P-89-1A for seed yield, oil content and low hull rate could be used for increasing hybrid vigor in future sunflower breeding programs sunflower as well as the genotypes, viz., CMS 852A, CMS-853A and EC-623027, EC-623023 appeared to possess high concentration of additive genes for seed yield and component traits and, therefore, these parents can be considered as the good combiners for heterosis breeding programme for seed and oil yield improvement in sunflower.

Kaolin treatments on Tonda Giffoni hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) for the control of heat stress damages

The aim of the study was to verify if a new kaolin formulation, which contains 100% aluminium silicate, can reduce the negative effects of high summer temperatures and heat stress on canopy physiological processes, yield and fruit quality in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.). Kaolin was applied on young Tonda Giffoni plants three times in 2018 summer at 3% concentration: sprays were carried out when the maximum air temperature exceeded 35 °C for 2–3 consecutive days. Kaolin coating increased light albedo, reducing leaf temperature from 2.9 °C up to 6.9 °C and the consequent heat stress, without significant negative effects on photosynthetic activity (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and water use efficiency (WUE). Occasionally kaolin significantly reduced leaf transpiration (E). Under water shortage stomatal resistance increased, independent of leaf temperature, therefore in kaolin treated plants (KL plants) the Pn, gs, E and WUE were less than those in control, whereas in post-harvest period Pn and WUE were significantly higher. At re - watering the KL plants have greater Pn and WUE values and less water loss due to transpiration. Moreover, summer rainfall is not able to wash out the whole kaolin covering, allowing an average foliar coverage of the kaolin sufficient to protect the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm). At harvest, the KL plants showed a higher kernel yield and oil content. Kaolin application is a viable strategy to contrast the increase of anomalous high temperature due to actual global warming and can allow to extend hazelnut growing in areas where summer heat stress are limiting.

THE ESTIMATION OF SOYBEAN INITIAL MATERIAL ACCORDING TO GRAIN QUALITY ON HOMEOSTASIS

The current paper has presented the homeostatic indicators of protein and oil content in kernels of 43 collection soybean samples from the south of the Rostov region, studied by the Khangildin method (1984). According to the 2016–2018 studies of homeostatic quality indicators of soybean grain, there were identified the samples “K-11305” and “Veselovskaya 3” with a high protein percentage and the samples “K-10943” and “MDT 2” with the highest homeostasis of the protein content in grain. The maximum oil percentage in soybean grain was identified in the varieties “Donskaya 9”, “Natalie”, “Alba”, “Chara” and “MDT 2”. The stress resistance and homeostatic parameters of oil content of these varieties were at an average level in the collection. A high stress resistance and homeostasis of oil content in grain were identified in the varieties “Don 21” (5330.6), “Sigalia” (3376.0) and “VNIIOZ – 1” (2528.6) with seed oil content at an average level in the collection.

Analaysis of Important Indices in New Bulgarian Hybrids Linzi and Deveda

Hybrids Linzi and Deveda are conventional hybrids and created at Dobroudzha Agricultural Institute, General Toshevo, Bulgaria. They are the latest hybrids for our new sunflower selection. A structural analysis on important biometric indices related to the production potential of sunflower hybrids Linzi and Deveda and their parental lines was done. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression and correlation. The indices 1000 seed weight (g), kernel and husk (%), oil content in kernels and oil content of seed (%) were studied. The mathematical models clearly demonstrated that correlation was established between the investigated indices. They have strong influence on the productivity of these two hybrids.

A Combined Metabolomics and Fluxomics Analysis Identifies Steps Limiting Oil Synthesis in Maize Embryos.

Enhancing fatty acid synthesis (FAS) in maize (Zea mays) has tremendous potential nutritional and economic benefits due to the rapidly growing demand for vegetable oil. In maize kernels, the endosperm and the embryo are the main sites for synthesis and accumulation of starch and oil, respectively. So far, breeding efforts to achieve elevated oil content in maize have resulted in smaller endosperms and therefore lower yield. Directly changing their carbon metabolism may be the key to increasing oil content in maize kernels without affecting yield. To test this hypothesis, the intracellular metabolite levels were compared in maize embryos from two different maize lines, ALEXHO S K SYNTHETIC (Alex) and LH59, which accumulate 48% and 34% of oil, respectively. Comparative metabolomics highlighted the metabolites and pathways that were active in the embryos and important for oil production. The contribution of each pathway to FAS in terms of carbon, reductant, and energy provision was assessed by measuring the carbon flow through the metabolic network (13C-metabolic flux analysis) in developing Alex embryos to build a map of carbon flow through the central metabolism. This approach combined mathematical modeling with biochemical quantification to identify metabolic bottlenecks in FAS in maize embryos. This study describes a combination of innovative tools that will pave the way for controlling seed composition in important food crops.

Analysis on Fruit Oil Content and Evaluation on Germplasm in Oil Palm

Fruit oil content (FOC) is one of the most important commercial traits in oil palm; however, extensive study on related traits is still limited. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits, as well as to predict the oil palm germplasm for potential improvement. In this study, a total of 11 traits, including fruit bunch number (FBN), average fruit weight (AFW), mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (M/F), kernel-to-fruit ratio (K/F), shell-to-fruit ratio (S/F), average fruit length (AFL), average fruit width (AFWD), average shell thickness (AST), mesocarp oil content (MOC), kernel oil content (KOC), and FOC were analyzed in 39 germplasms collected from seven different countries in Asia and Africa. Different statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits. Correlation analysis showed that FOC was positively and significantly correlated with M/F, MOC, and KOC, whereas negatively and significantly correlated with S/F and AST. Likewise, path analysis indicated that M/F and MOC have high positive direct effect on FOC, whereas S/F and AST have high negative direct and indirect effects on FOC. Furthermore, regression analysis showed significant correlation between predicted and observed FOC. In conclusion, FOC was mainly determined by M/F, MOC, S/F, and AST, and the FOC prediction in this study was reliable for germplasm evaluation. In addition, G39 (Tenera) and G2 (Parthenocarpy) have the highest FOC with 58.62% and 57.68%, respectively, indicating that they might be potential candidates for FOC improvement. These results could be applicable to oil palm breeding programs.

Directional breeding of high oil content peanut variety Yuhua 9 by in vitro mutagenesis and screening

Leaf water potential of peanut subjected to drought stress is positively related to the oil content of peanut kernels. The aim of this study was to directly screen the high oil mutants of peanut and create the new peanut varieties using hydroxyproline as water potential regulator. In vitro mutagenesis was carried out with the embryonic leaflets of peanut variety Huayu 20 as explants and pingyangmycin as a mutagen added into the somatic embryo formation medium. The formed somatic embryos were successively transferred to somatic embryo germination and selection medium containing 6 mmol/L hydroxyproline (at -2.079 MPa water potential ) to induce regeneration and directionally screen high oil content mutants. After that, these plantlets were grafted and transplanted to the experimental field and 132 high oil mutants with oil content over 55% were obtained from the offspring of regenerated plants. Finally, among them, the oil contents of 27 lines were higher than 58% and of 2 lines were higher than 60%. A new peanut variety Yuhua 9 with high yield and oil content was bred from the regenerated plant progenies combining the pedigree breeding method. The yield was 14.0% higher than that of the control cultivar in the testing new peanut varieties of Liaoning province, and also it has passed the national registration of non-major crop varieties. Yuhua 9 with an oil content of 61.05%, which was 11.55 percentage points higher than that of the parent Huayu 20, was the peanut cultivar with the highest oil content in the world. The result showed that it was an effective way for directional breeding of high oil peanut varieties by means of the three-step technique including in vitro mutagenesis, directional screening by reducing water potential in medium and pedigree selection of regenerated plant progenies.

Mitigation of multiple summer stresses on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.): effects of the new arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus iranicum tenuihypharum sp. nova

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) on vegetative and reproductive cycle of young hazelnut plants, cv. Tonda Giffoni, under high temperature and low water availability was investigated. Hazelnut plants were inoculated with G. iranicum for two consecutive years in spring. G. iranicum improved the leaf physiological performances, preserved the integrity of the chloroplast photosystems, promoting the recovery, and raises the chlorophyll content in the summer when the vegetative activity and fruit growth occur. In AM plants, leaves were kept functional for longer period and photosynthetic activity was higher in post-harvest period which coincides with the second peak of radical activity and the beginning of senescence (Tombesi, 1979).Moreover, the AM plants had a more intense vegetative growth and higher yield and kernel oil content. These results point out the beneficial effect of G. iranicum for hazelnut cultivation and its potential to mitigate the effect of climate change on this crop.

A high density SLAF-seq SNP genetic map and QTL for seed size, oil and protein content in upland cotton

BackgroundCotton is a leading natural fiber crop. Beyond its fiber, cottonseed is a valuable source of plant protein and oil. Due to the much higher value of cotton fiber, there is less consideration of cottonseed quality despite its potential value. Though some QTL controlling cottonseed quality have been identified, few of them that warrant further study are known. Identifying stable QTL controlling seed size, oil and protein content is necessary for improvement of cottonseed quality.ResultsIn this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between upland cotton cultivars/lines Yumian 1 and M11. Specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology was used to construct a genetic map that covered 3353.15 cM with an average distance between consecutive markers of 0.48 cM. The seed index, together with kernel size, oil and protein content were further used to identify QTL. In total, 58 QTL associated with six traits were detected, including 13 stable QTL detected in all three environments and 11 in two environments.ConclusionA high resolution genetic map including 7033 SNP loci was constructed through specific locus amplified fragment sequencing technology. A total of 13 stable QTL associated with six cottonseed quality traits were detected. These stable QTL have the potential for fine mapping, identifying candidate genes, elaborating molecular mechanisms of cottonseed development, and application in cotton breeding programs.

Association mapping seed kernel oil content in upland cotton using genome-wide SSRs and SNPs

Cotton is a major fiber and oilseed crop; however, few studies have been focused on oil content in cotton. To dissect the genetic basis of seed oil content (SOC), genome-wide association study was performed by using SOC phenotypic data of 503 upland cotton inbred accessions in eight environments and two sets of genotypic data including 179 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 11,975 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) from our previous study. SOC for a given genotype was fairly stable which was reflected in a broad-sense heritability of H2 = 96.6%. Using the mixed linear model (K + Q), 16 significant SSRs (P < 0.01) and 26 significant SNPs (P < 1/11,975), were detected cross BLUP values and at least one individual environments. Based on the LD block analysis, eight SOC-associated QTL on chromosome 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, and 24 covering more than one significant markers were identified, two QTL of them on chromosome 10 and 13 could be matched between SSR and SNP markers. The confidence interval of candidate genes in each QTL ranged from 0.14 to 1.50 Mb, and 12 to 70 genes were identified in these QTL. According to the gene function annotation and gene FPKM value of the 20~35 days post anther (DPA) cotton ovules, key genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport; tricarboxylic acid cycle which might affect seed oil content were found near the leading markers. These results will facilitate the molecular marker assisted breeding of cotton oil content.

Breeding peanut variety Yuhua 7 by fast neutron irradiation and tissue culture

Creating new germplasms and breeding new cultivars in peanut by radiation mutagenesis and tissue culture were conducted in this study, aiming to develop new breeding method of peanut. Mature seeds from Luhua 11, the most commonly grown peanut cultivar in Northern China, were treated by fast neutron irradiation. Then the embryo leaflets were separated from the irradiated seeds and inoculated on the media, and the regenerated seedlings were obtained through somatic embryogenesis pathway. The regenerated seedlings were grafted, acclimated and then transplanted into field and the selfed pods were harvested from 83 regenerated plants. The progenies were selected by the pedigree method, and 107 mutants were obtained from the progenies of the 83 regenerated plants. Different mutants showed obvious variation in many agronomic traits, including main stem height, branch number, pod shape and size, seed coat color, inner seed coat color, oil content and protein content etc. Yuhua 7, a new peanut variety with low oil content, early maturity and waterlogging tolerance was obtained. The yield of Yuhua 7 was over 14% higher than that of the mutagenic parent Luhua 11, and the oil content of kernels was 47.0%, lower than that of parent Luhua 11 with 52.1% oil content. Yuhua 7 had passed peanut variety regional multi-location trials in Liaoning Province in 2016 and its average yield was 13.8% higher than that of the control variety Baisha 1017. It had also passed national peanut variety registration, and the registration ID is "GPD peanut (2018) 370105". The results show that irradiation mutagenesis combined with tissue culture is an effective method for creating new germplasm and breeding new varieties of peanut.

Genetic, Phenotypic, and Commercial Characterization of an Almond Collection from Sardinia.

Background: Recent nutritional and medical studies have associated the regular consumption of almonds with a wide range of health benefits. As a consequence, kernel quality has become an important goal for breeding, considering not only the chemical composition conferring a specific organoleptic quality but also physical traits related to industrial processing. Methods: We characterized an almond collection from Sardinia through analysis of 13 morpho-physiological traits and eight essential oil profiles. The genetic structure of the collection was studied by analyzing the polymorphism of 11 simple sequence repeats (SSR). Results: Both commercial and phenotypic traits showed wide ranges of variation. Most genotypes were early flowering with low yield potential. Several genotypes showed moderate to high yield and very interesting oil compositions of kernels. Based on 11 SSR profiles and Bayesian clustering, the Sardinian cultivars were assigned to groups which were differentiated for several agronomic and commercial traits. Conclusions: Several cultivars showed a high kernel oil content and high oleic to linoleic content ratio. Based on morphological traits, we propose that some of the analyzed cultivars could be interesting for industrial applications. Finally, we highlight the importance of characterizing early blooming cultivars for sites which are experiencing a rise in mean temperatures due to the effects of global climate changes.

Genetic parameters and selection of macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) accessions: an alternative crop for biofuels

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the parameters related to the genetic control of the physical characteristics of the fruits, oil content, and oil yield, and to proceed with the selection of macaw palm accessions. Forty-four macaw palm accessions of the active germplasm collection of the Federal University of Vicosa were collected for the evaluation of epicarp dry matter, pulp dry matter, endocarp dry matter, kernel dry matter, oil content, and oil yield. Narrow-sense individual heritability estimates were considered as of intermediate magnitude. The coefficient of repeatability and the accuracy in family selection was of high magnitude. Oil yield per plant presented the highest coefficient of individual genetic variation. Five different accessions contributed to the ten first individuals selected by the individual BLUP. The Mulamba and Mock’s rank index allowed classifying the accessions in a sequence favorable to selection.

Identification of maize haploid kernels based on hyperspectral imaging technology

Haploid breeding is a significant technology of maize breeding. Rapid and accurate haploid kernel identification method has great significance to accelerating the efficiency of haploid breeding. At present, detecting genetic markers on the embryo of kernels by machine vision and determining oil content of maize kernels by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are widely used to automatically identify haploid maize kernel. However, the machine vision method can only identify the haploid through embryo side of kernels, and the NMR method cannot distinguish them when haploid and diploid have the overlap oil content. The study was aimed exploring a rapid and accurate method to identify haploid maize kernel using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology to overcome the limitations of current automated haploid identification and to achieve more accurate screening of haploid. In terms of two representative varieties of maize (Zhengdan 958 and Nongda 616), the study adopted spectral features of hyperspectral imaging to discuss the influence of embryonic orientation (embryo faces to or against light source) on haploid identification model. Meanwhile, the separability of embryo and non-embryo and identification accuracy of joint modeling of embryo and non-embryo were analyzed. The study showed that the greater difference between embryo and non-embryo of haploid and diploid, but hyperspectral imaging method could effectively distinguish haploid and diploid through embryo or non-embryo. At the same time, with the qualitative analysis method, two maize varieties could accurately distinguished haploid and diploid with overlapping oil content based on joint modeling. In this case, the test set of haploid and diploid achieved yielded higher correct acceptance rate (CAR) of 99% and the false acceptance rate (FAR) were both below 1%, with a high accuracy rate. The study showed that it is feasible to recognize maize haploid using hyperspectral imaging technology, which can provide a reference for the later haploid sorting systems.

Kaolin particle film alleviates adverse effects of light and heat stresses and improves nut and kernel quality in Persian walnut

Abstract Spraying with kaolin is becoming a feasible and cheap treatment to alleviate the destructive effects of light and heat stresses. Here, the effects of spraying with kaolin were investigated on leaf temperature, photosynthesis and gas exchange rate, sunburn and quality of nut and kernel, potassium (K) and sodium (Na) concentrations and proline content of the walnut. Three spraying levels of kaolin (0%, 3% and 6%) were used in 5 replicates during two consecutive years. Results indicate that the kaolin spray increases leaf area and chlorophyll content (up to 14.71% and 11.99%, respectively) comparing to the control. The severity of leaf, husk, and kernel sunburn of kaolin treated trees was reduced up to 50% comparing to the control plants. Considering physiological parameters kaolin treatment reduced leaf temperature (4.4 °C and 5.6 °C, respectively in kaolin 3% and 6% compared to the control), but increased photosynthesis rate (Amax), gas exchange (gs), internal CO2 partial pressure (Ci) and the water use efficiency (up to 29.85%, 30%, 10.97% and 19.88%, respectively) comparing to the control. Kaolin application also improved nut and kernel weight, kernel percentage and kernel oil content (up to 8.2%, 16.1%, 7.7% and 11.29%, respectively) comparing to the control. Kaolin treatments increased potassium level and K:Na ratio, but decreased Na and proline content, both in leaf and kernel, in comparison with the control. However, there was no significant difference between the results of applying kaolin at concentrations of 3% and 6% in almost all of the measured characteristics, but improved results were obtained with higher levels of kaolin, except for nuts and kernel quantities. Considering global warming, using kaolin application can be recommended as a suitable and cheap method for the acclimation of walnut to high temperatures and solar radiation.

Evaluation of biodiesel from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge seed kernel oil from 13 areas in China

Oil content from seed kernels of Xanthoceras sorbifolia from 13 areas in China was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine oil characteristics and biodiesel properties. The seeds had a high kernel percentage (53.67% ± 7.51), oil content (52.21% ± 4.01), and biodiesel yield (99.77% ± 0.21). Among the fatty acids in the oil were high percentages of linoleic acid (41.66 ± 2.26)% and oleic acid (28.44% ± 2.03). Most of the fuel properties complied well with the ASTM D6751-10, EN 14214-08, and GB/T 20828-2014 standards. The 13 sampling areas were grouped into four clusters based on different kernel percentage, oil content, biodiesel yield, and fatty acid composition. The results showed that the quality of kernel oils from seeds from Ar Horqin Banner was the best, although kernel oils from seeds in all 13 areas were suitable for biodiesel production. This study provides a basis for selecting optimal sites to harvest seeds from X. sorbifolia.