Rapeseed Research Articles

Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the genetic networks regulating oil differential production in oil crops

BackgroundPlants differ more than threefold in seed oil contents (SOCs). Soybean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), rapeseed (Brassica napus), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) are four important oil crops with markedly different SOCs and fatty acid compositions.ResultsCompared to grain crops like maize and rice, expanded acyl-lipid metabolism genes and relatively higher expression levels of genes involved in seed oil synthesis (SOS) in the oil crops contributed to the oil accumulation in seeds. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomics on oil crops with two different SOC materials. In common, DIHYDROLIPOAMIDE DEHYDROGENASE, STEAROYL-ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN DESATURASE, PHOSPHOLIPID:DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE, and oil-body protein genes were both differentially expressed between the high- and low-oil materials of each crop. By comparing functional components of SOS networks, we found that the strong correlations between genes in “glycolysis/gluconeogenesis” and “fatty acid synthesis” were conserved in both grain and oil crops, with PYRUVATE KINASE being the common factor affecting starch and lipid accumulation. Network alignment also found a conserved clique among oil crops affecting seed oil accumulation, which has been validated in Arabidopsis. Differently, secondary and protein metabolism affected oil synthesis to different degrees in different crops, and high SOC was due to less competition of the same precursors. The comparison of Arabidopsis mutants and wild type showed that CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE 9, the conserved regulator we identified, was a factor resulting in different relative contents of lignins to oil in seeds. The interconnection of lipids and proteins was common but in different ways among crops, which partly led to differential oil production.ConclusionsThis study goes beyond the observations made in studies of individual species to provide new insights into which genes and networks may be fundamental to seed oil accumulation from a multispecies perspective.

5'-Methoxyarmillane, a Bioactive Sesquiterpenoid Aryl Ester from the Fungus Armillaria ostoyae.

Higher fungi of the genus Armillaria belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota produce bioactive sesquiterpenoid aryl esters called melleolides. A bioactivity-guided discovery process led to the identification of the new melleolide 5'‑methoxyarmillane (1) in organic extracts from the mycelium of Armillaria ostoyae. Remarkably, supplementation of rapeseed oil to the culture medium potato dextrose broth increased the production of 1 by a factor of six during the course of the 35 days fermentation. Compound 1 was isolated and its structure elucidated by UHPLC-QTOF-HR-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. It showed toxicity against Madin-Darby canine kidney II (MDCKII, IC50 19.2mg/mL, 44.1mM) and human lung cancer Calu-3 cells (IC50 15.2mg/mL, 34.9mM) as well as moderate bioactivity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 8mg/mL, 18.4mM) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC16mg/mL, 36.8mM), but not against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Septoria tritici. No inhibitory effects of 1 against the influenza viruses H3N2, H1N1pdm, B/Malaysia, and B/Massachusetts were observed.

PH Stabilized NH4+-Fed Nutrition Promotes Higher B Uptake and Plant Growth in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by the Upregulation of B Transporters

AbstractRapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major oilseed crop with high boron (B) requirements. In hydroponic cultivation, B uptake is highly responsive to the media conditions (e.g., pH). Different N sources, such as NH4+ and NO3−, directly affect the media pH. To date, the underlying mechanisms, the role of the buffering at constant N-sources by separating the effects of pH and/or sources of N-form, for the uptake of B remain indistinct under hydroponic cultivation, particularly in rapeseed. Two identical experiments were conducted using (NH4)2SO4 and Ca(NO3)2 as sole N-sources each set were subjected to four treatments viz. non-buffered, buffered pH 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 at low (1 µM) and high (100 µM) B for 5 days. The novelty of this study demonstrates that NH4+-fed plants prefer buffered pH (6 and 7) for promoting higher plant growth, which was in line with the B concentration, while NO3−-fed plants were not influenced. These aforesaid findings were further supported by the upregulation of BnaNIP5;1 and BnaBOR1;2 in the root and higher expression of BnaNIP5;1 in shoots with buffered pH in NH4+-fed plants. According to our findings, in NH4+-based buffering, B transport channel protein BnaNIP5;1 (through diffusion) facilitated B uptake and distribution from root to shoot while BnaBOR1;2 mediated active uptake of B was in root under low supply of B. In a nutshell, pH buffering in hydroponics is very important in NH4+-based but not in NO3−-based nutrition for the uptake of boron and growth of the rapeseed plants.

Selection of canola (Brassica napus) based on agronomic and physiological responses for better growth under cadmium toxicity

Selection of canola (Brassica napus) based on agronomic and physiological responses for better growth under cadmium toxicity

Effect of methyl jasmonate and GA3 on canola (Brassica napus L.) growth, antioxidants activity, and nutrient concentration cultivated in salt-affected soils

Salinity stress is a significant challenge in agricultural production. When soil contains high salts, it can adversely affect plant growth and productivity due to the high concentration of soluble salts in the soil water. To overcome this issue, foliar applications of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and gibberellic acid (GA3) can be productive amendments. Both can potentially improve the plant’s growth attributes and flowering, which are imperative in improving growth and yield. However, limited literature is available on their combined use in canola to mitigate salinity stress. That’s why the current study investigates the impact of different levels of MJ (at concentrations of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mM MJ) and GA3 (0GA3 and 5 mg/L GA3) on canola cultivated in salt-affected soils. Applying all the treatments in four replicates. Results indicate that the application of 0.8 mM MJ with 5 mg/L GA3 significantly enhances shoot length (23.29%), shoot dry weight (24.77%), number of leaves per plant (24.93%), number of flowering branches (26.11%), chlorophyll a (31.44%), chlorophyll b (20.28%) and total chlorophyll (27.66%) and shoot total soluble carbohydrates (22.53%) over control. Treatment with 0.8 mM MJ and 5 mg/L GA3 resulted in a decrease in shoot proline (48.17%), MDA (81.41%), SOD (50.59%), POD (14.81%) while increase in N (10.38%), P (15.22%), and K (8.05%) compared to control in canola under salinity stress. In conclusion, 0.8 mM MJ + 5 mg/L GA3 can improve canola growth under salinity stress. More investigations are recommended at the field level to declare 0.8 mM MJ + 5 mg/L GA3 as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different crops.

Treatment of marble industry wastewater by Brassica napus (L.) under oxalic acid amendment: efficacy as fodder and carcinogenic risk assessment.

In the present study, Brassica napus, a food plant, was grown for phytoextraction of selected heavy metals (HMs) from marble industry wastewater (WW) under oxalic acid (OA) amendment. The hydroponic experiment was performed under different combination of WW with OA in complete randomized design. Photosynthetic pigments and growth reduction were observed in plants treated with WW alone amendments. The combination of OA in combination with WW significantly enhanced the growth of plants along with antioxidant enzyme activities compared with WW-treated-only plants. HM stress alone enhanced the hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde contents in plants. OA-treated plants were observed with enhanced accumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) concentrations in the roots and shoots of B. napus. The maximum concentration and accumulation of Cd in root, stem, and leaves was increased by 25%, 30%, and 30%; Cu by 42%, 24%, and 17%; and Pb by 45%, 24%, and 43%, respectively, under OA amendment. Average daily intake and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated for males, females, and children in two phases of treatments in phytoremediation of metals before and after accumulation into B. napus leaves and stems. HQ of metals in the leaves and stem was < 1 before metal accumulation, whereas > 1 was observed after HM accumulation for all males, females, and children. Similarly, the hazard index of the three study types was found > 1. It was observed that the estimated excess lifetime cancer risk was of grade VII (very high risk), not within the accepted range of 1 × 10-4 to 1 × 10-6. Based on the present study, the increased levels of HMs up to carcinogenicity was observed in the B. napus which is not safe to be consumed later as food.

MOF-derived nanozyme CuOx@C and its application for cascade colorimetric detection of phytosterols.

Phytosterols (PSs), a class of naturally occurring bioactive lipid compounds, have been found to possess a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. In developing countries, the consumption of rapeseed oil is the primary pathway of PS intake for the general population. However, developing low-cost, real-time, and high-throughput screening techniques for PSs remains a challenge. Here, a Cu-based nanocomposite CuOx@C was synthesized via a simple method of the calcination of HKUST-1 and systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuOx@C demonstrated excellent peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, functioning as a peroxidase mimic to facilitate the catalysis of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into its oxidized form (oxTMB), thereby initiating a discernible color response. On the basis of this discovery, a CuOx@C-based colorimetric method for detecting total sterols in rapeseed was successfully constructed via cascade reactions. After optimizing the conditions, the high-throughput screening of total sterols in rapeseed could be completed in only 21min, which significantly facilitated the sensing of PSs. A linear range of 0.6-6mg/g was achieved for the detection of total sterols in rapeseed samples, thereby satisfying the requirements for detection. In addition, due to the high stability of CuOx@C and the specificity of cholesterol oxidase, the developed method had excellent stability and selectivity toward PSs, indicating that this work has huge prospects for commercial application. This innovative work overcomes the limitation of the instrumental method and provides a portable and reliable tool for total sterols detection. It can also facilitate the development of oilseeds with a high content of PSs.

Influence of operating pressure on the durability of a satellite hydraulic motor supplied by rapeseed oil

This article describes the results of a durability test of a hydraulic satellite motor supplied by rapeseed oil. The tests were carried out on a test stand in a power recuperation system. The tests of the motor were carried out at a constant shaft speed for three fixed pressure drops in the motor. This made it possible to demonstrate the influence of the motor operating pressure on the durability of the satellite mechanism. The influence of the pressure drop in the motor and the influence of the operating time on the motor absorbency, on the torque on the motor shaft and the influence on the volumetric and hydraulic-mechanical efficiency are also shown. The basic relationship between the efficiency of the motor and the temperature rise in the motor is also described. The results of the calculations of the temperature rise in the motor are compared with the experimental results. The article also shows which components of the motor’s working mechanism wear out the fastest. The cause of the wear and failure is also explained.

Production of Camellia oleifera Abel Seed Oil for Injection: Extraction, Analysis, Deacidification, Decolorization, and Deodorization

Camellia seed oil (CSO), as a nutrient-rich edible oil, is widely used in foods, cosmetics, and other fields. In this work, the extraction, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization processes of CSO were respectively optimized for meeting injectable oil standards. The results showed that the CSO extraction rate reached the highest level of 94% at optimized conditions (ultrasonic time, 31.2 min; reaction pH, 9.2; and reaction time, 3.5 h). The physicochemical indexes of CSO and 10 other vegetable oils were evaluated by the principal component analysis method, and the overall scores of vegetable oils were ranked as camellia seed oil &gt; olive oil &gt; rice oil &gt; peanut oil &gt; sesame oil &gt; corn oil &gt; soybean oil &gt; sunflower oil &gt; rapeseed oil &gt; walnut oil &gt; flaxseed oil. The physicochemical indicators of CSO were the most ideal among the 11 vegetable oils, which means that CSO is suitable as an injectable oil. Through the optimized processes of the deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization, the CSO acid value was reduced to 0.0515 mg KOH/g, the decolorization rate reached a maximum of 93.86%, and the OD430 was 0.015, meeting the requirement (≤0.045 of OD430) of injectable oil. After the deodorization process, these parameters of the refractive index, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, absorbance, unsaponifiable, moisture and volatiles, fatty acid composition, and heavy metal limits all met the pharmacopoeia standards of injectable oil in many countries and regions. The possibility of CSO as an injectable oil was first verified through refining-process optimization and nutritional index analysis, providing an important technical reference for the high-value utilization of vegetable oil.

Green Manuring Enhances Soil Multifunctionality in Tobacco Field in Southwest China

The use of green manure can substantially increase the microbial diversity and multifunctionality of soil. Green manuring practices are becoming popular for tobacco production in China. However, the influence of different green manures in tobacco fields has not yet been clarified. Here, smooth vetch (SV), hairy vetch (HV), broad bean (BB), common vetch (CV), rapeseed (RS), and radish (RD) were selected as green manures to investigate their impact on soil multifunctionality and evaluate their effects on enhancing soil quality for tobacco cultivation in southwest China. The biomass of tobacco was highest in the SV treatment. Soil pH declined, and soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in CV and BB and activity of extracellular enzymes in SV and CV treatments were higher than those in other treatments. Fungal diversity declined in SV and CV but did not affect soil multifunctionality, indicating that bacterial communities contributed more to soil multifunctionality than fungal communities. The abundance of Firmicutes, Rhizobiales, and Micrococcales in SV and CV treatments increased and was negatively correlated with soil pH but positively correlated with soil multifunctionality, suggesting that the decrease in soil pH contributed to increases in the abundance of functional bacteria. In the bacteria–fungi co-occurrence network, the relative abundance of key ecological modules negatively correlated with soil multifunctionality and was low in SV, CV, BB, and RS treatments, and this was associated with reductions in soil pH and increases in the content of SOM and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N). Overall, we found that SV and CV are more beneficial for soil multifunctionality, and this was driven by the decrease in soil pH and the increase in SOM, TN, NO3−-N, and C- and N-cycling functional bacteria.

Genomic prediction in Brassica napus: evaluating the benefit of imputed whole-genome sequencing data.

Advances in sequencing technology allow whole plant genomes to be sequenced with high quality. Combining genotypic and phenotypic data in genomic prediction helps breeders to select crossing partners in partially phenotyped populations. In plant breeding programs, the cost of sequencing entire breeding populations still exceeds available genotyping budgets. Hence, the method for genotyping is still mainly single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays; however, arrays are unable to assess the entire genome- and population-wide diversity. A compromise involves genotyping the entire population using an SNP array and a subset of the population with whole-genome sequencing. Both datasets can then be used to impute markers from whole-genome sequencing onto the entire population. Here, we evaluate whether imputation of whole-genome sequencing data enhances genomic predictions, using data from a nested association mapping population of rapeseed (Brassica napus). Employing two cross-validation schemes that mimic scenarios for the prediction of close and distant relatives, we show that imputed marker data do not significantly improve prediction accuracy, likely due to redundancy in relationship estimates and imputation errors. In simulation studies, only small improvements were observed, further corroborating the findings. We conclude that SNP arrays are already equipped with the information that is added by imputation through relationship and linkage disequilibrium.

Reduced belowground allocation of freshly assimilated C contributes to negative plant-soil feedback in successive winter wheat rotations

Abstract Aims Successive winter wheat (WW) rotations are associated with yield reduction, often attributed to the unfavorable soil microbes that persist in the soil through plant residues. How rotational positions of WW affect the allocation of freshly assimilated carbon (C), an energy source for soil microbes, above and belowground remains largely unknown. Methods A 13CO2 pulse labeling rhizotron experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to study freshly fixed C allocation patterns. WW was grown in soil after oilseed rape (W1), after one season of WW (W2), and after three successive seasons of WW (W4). We used an automatic manifold system to measure excess 13C of soil respiration at six depths and five different dates. Excess 13C was also measured in dissolved organic C (DOC), microbial and plant biomass pools. Results There was a strong yield decline in successive WW rotations accompanied by distinct changes in root growth. Higher excess 13C of soil respiration was measured in W1 compared to W4, especially in the topsoil during at later growth stages. Higher excess 13C of the DOC and the microbial biomass was also traced in W1 and W4 compared to W2. Less 13C was taken up by successive WW rotations. Conclusions Our study demonstrates a mechanism through which the rotational position of WW affects the allocation of freshly assimilated C above and belowground. WW after oilseed rape sustains belowground allocation of freshly assimilated C for a longer time than successively grown WW and incorporates more of this C to its biomass.

Effect of the pyrolysis conditions and type of feedstock on nanobiochars obtained as a result of ball milling

Currently, the production of nanobiochar (n-BC) using ball milling is a promising and cost-effective method. Studies concerning the physicochemical properties of bulk biochar (b-BC) in relation to pyrolysis temperature, various feedstocks or types of carrier gas have been thoroughly investigated. However, there is a lack of information on how the mentioned conditions determine the properties of the obtained n-BCs. In this study, b-BCs produced from different feedstocks (willow (WL), sewage sludge (SSL), rice husk (RH) and oilseed rape (OSR)), temperatures (450–750 °C) and carrier gases (N2 or CO2) were ball-milled to produce n-BCs. The specific surface area (SBET), elemental composition (C, H, N, O), morphology (SEM), functional groups (FT-IR), and crystalline and amorphous nature of the carbon (RAMAN) were determined. The size of n-BCs depended on the feedstock used (particles ranged from 30 to 87.9 nm). The type of feedstock mostly determined the properties of n-BCs. The most visible differences between n-BCs and b-BCs were observed for surface properties and C content. For all n-BCs, an SBET increase was observed after ball milling, which may enhance the adsorption potential of biochar. The most intense SBET changes were noted for WL-derived n-BCs obtained at 450 °C (increase from 7.2 to 146.3 m2/g) and at 750 °C (increase from 3.9 to 160.8 m2/g) and for RH-derived n-BCs produced at 550 °C (increase from 3.7 to 158.6 m2/g). The C content decreased for n-BCs produced from plant biomass (WL, RH and OSR) and increased (from 20 to 28%) for n-BCs derived from sewage sludge (SSL). Other physicochemical properties mainly depended on the feedstock used for biochar production.

Scientific Study of Brassinosteroids on Production of Fruit Crops: A Review

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are considered as the sixth group of plant growth regulators with significant growth promoting activity in many horticulture and agriculture crops. This phytohormone was discovered from the pollen of Brassica napus L. on the basis of their ability to promote growth. Currently, more than 70 BRs have been isolated from different plant species, but only three viz., Brassinolide (BL), 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL) and 28-Homobrassinolide (HBL) are found to be the most biologically active forms and extensively used in various crops. They are eco-friendly, effective at very low concentration, cost effective and almost always have synergetic effect when interacts with other phytohormones. Owing to diverse physiological roles and cross talk with other hormones influence on plant growth and development, they are being collectively referred as ‘pleiotropic phytohormone’. Although, BRs were discovered towards the end of twentieth century, but the dynamic applications and outcomes were reported mainly during the inception of twenty first century, hence BRs were termed as ‘hormone of the twenty-first century’. The application of BRs at different growth stages have been reported to positively influences such as nutrients uptakes, growth, yield and quality attributes on many fruit crops which includes tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruit crops at very low concentrations have great roles in terms of growth, yield, fruit quality and stress tolerance mechanisms, which results to lucrative adventure of farming community. This review article will provide an elucidated insight into the application of BR in different fruit crops.

Genome-wide identification of the ICS family genes and its role in resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae in Brassica napus L

The isochorismate synthase (ICS) proteins are essential regulators of salicylic acid (SA) synthesis, which has been reported to regulate resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is a common disease that threatens the yield and quality of Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Exogenous application of salicylic acid reduced the incidence of clubroot in oilseed rape. However, the potential importance of the ICS genes family in B. napus and its diploid progenitors has been unclear. Here, we identified 16, 9, and 10 ICS genes in the allotetraploid B. napus, diploid ancestor Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, respectively. These ICS genes were classified into three subfamilies (I-III), and member of the same subfamilies showed relatively conserved gene structures, motifs, and protein domains. Furthermore, many hormone-response and stress-related promoter cis-acting elements were observed in the BnaICS genes. Exogenous application of SA delayed the growth of clubroot galls, and the expression of BnaICS genes was significantly different compared to the control groups. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified 58 proteins involved in the regulation of ICS in response to P. brassicae in B. napus. These results provide new clues for understanding the resistance mechanism to P. brassicae.

Genetic control of root morphology in response to nitrogen across rapeseed diversity.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an oil-containing crop of great economic value but with considerable nitrogen requirement. Breeding root systems that efficiently absorb nitrogen from the soil could be a driver to ensure genetic gains for more sustainable rapeseed production. The aim of this study is to identify genomic regions that regulate root morphology in response to nitrate availability. The natural variability offered by 300 inbred lines was screened at two experimental locations. Seedlings grew hydroponically with low or elevated nitrate levels. Fifteen traits related to biomass production and root morphology were measured. On average across the panel, a low nitrate level increased the root-to-shoot biomass ratio and the lateral root length. A large phenotypic variation was observed, along with important heritability values and genotypic effects, but low genotype-by-nitrogen interactions. Genome-wide association study and bulk segregant analysis were used to identify loci regulating phenotypic traits. The first approach nominated 319 SNPs that were combined into 80 QTLs. Three QTLs identified on the A07 and C07 chromosomes were stable across nitrate levels and/or experimental locations. The second approach involved genotyping two groups of individuals from an experimental F2 population created by crossing two accessions with contrasting lateral root lengths. These individuals were found in the tails of the phenotypic distribution. Co-localized QTLs found in both mapping approaches covered a chromosomal region on the A06 chromosome. The QTL regions contained some genes putatively involved in root organogenesis and represent selection targets for redesigning the root morphology of rapeseed.

Effect of different pretreatment techniques on quality characteristics, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and flavor of cold-pressed rapeseed oil

This study investigated the effects of different pretreatment techniques (microwave heating, infrared heating, oven heating and enzymatic methods) on the quality of cold-pressed rapeseed oil (CPRO) with commercially available first-grade pressed rapeseed oil (CFO) as a control. The results showed that CPRO is more nutritionally valuable than CFO while meeting the quality standard without refining. Microwave heating pretreatment's cold-pressed rapeseed oil (MHO) exhibited a higher oil yield (70.83 ± 0.40 %), a higher trace active ingredient content (tocopherol 53.79 ± 0.19 mg/100g, phytosterol 726.98 ± 4.14 mg/100g, and polyphenol 87.09 ± 0.08 mg GAE/100g), and a stronger antioxidant capacity. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis indicated that antioxidant capacity was mainly related to the content of α-tocopherol and polyphenols. Microwave heating promoted the degradation of the Maillard reaction and glucosinolates, significantly improving the flavor of CPRO. Therefore, microwave heating is a promising pretreatment technology for the production of high-quality CPRO.

Fabrication of Human Milk Fat Substitute: Based on the Similarity Evaluation Model and Computer Software.

We aimed to obtain the optimal formula for human milk fat substitute (HMFS) through a combination of software and an evaluation model and further verify its practicability through an animal experiment. The results showed that a total of 33 fatty acid (FA) and 63 triglyceride (TAG) molecular species were detected in vegetable oils. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, 18:1/16:0/18:1, 18:2/16:0/18:2, 18:1/18:1/18:1 and 18:1/18:2/18:1, were the main molecular species among the FAs and TAGs in the vegetable oils. Based on the HMFS evaluation model, the optimal mixed vegetable oil formula was blended with 21.3% palm oil, 2.8% linseed oil, 2.6% soybean oil, 29.9% rapeseed oil and 43.4% maize oil, with the highest score of 83.146. Moreover, there was no difference in the weight, blood routine indices or calcium and magnesium concentrations in the feces of the mice between the homemade mixed vegetable oil (HMVO) group and the commercial mixed vegetable oil (CMVO) group, while nervonic acid (C24:1) and octanoic acid (C8:0) were absorbed easily in the HMVO group. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the mixing of the different vegetable oils was feasible via a combination of computer software and an evaluation model and provided a new way to produce HMFS.

The fungus Acremonium alternatum enhances salt stress tolerance by regulating host redox homeostasis and phytohormone signaling.

While endophytic fungi offer promising avenues for bolstering plant resilience against abiotic stressors, the molecular mechanisms behind this biofortification remain largely unknown. This study employed a multifaceted approach, combining plant physiology, proteomic, metabolomic, and targeted hormonal analyses to illuminate the early response of Brassica napus to Acremonium alternatum during the nascent stages of their interaction. Notably, under optimal growth conditions, the initial reaction to fungus was relatively subtle, with no visible alterations in plant phenotype and only minor impacts on the proteome and metabolome. Interestingly, the identified proteins associated with the Acremonium response included TUDOR 1, Annexin D4, and a plastidic K+ efflux antiporter, hinting at potential processes that could counter abiotic stressors, particularly salt stress. Subsequent experiments validated this hypothesis, showcasing significantly enhanced growth in Acremonium-inoculated plants under salt stress. Molecular analyses revealed a profound impact on the plant's proteome, with over 50% of salt stress response proteins remaining unaffected in inoculated plants. Acremonium modulated ribosomal proteins, increased abundance of photosynthetic proteins, enhanced ROS metabolism, accumulation of V-ATPase, altered abundances of various metabolic enzymes, and possibly promoted abscisic acid signaling. Subsequent analyses validated the accumulation of this hormone and its enhanced signaling. Collectively, these findings indicate that Acremonium promotes salt tolerance by orchestrating abscisic acid signaling, priming the plant's antioxidant system, as evidenced by the accumulation of ROS-scavenging metabolites and alterations in ROS metabolism, leading to lowered ROS levels and enhanced photosynthesis. Additionally, it modulates ion sequestration through V-ATPase accumulation, potentially contributing to the observed decrease in chloride content.

Effects of carriers for oils in compound feeds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Carrier materials for oils in compound feeds may be used in animal nutrition to supply liquid feed additives. However, implications of such carriers for the digestibility of the contained oil are unknown. This study investigated the potential of oil carriers in compound feed and their effect on performance, metabolizable energy, fatty acid (FA) retention, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens. Six experimental diets were formulated following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 20 g/kg or 40 g/kg of rapeseed oil supplied with no carrier or bound in a silica-based (SC) or lignocellulose-based (LC) carrier in a 1:1 mass ratio. The diets were assigned to 48 metabolism units with 15 animals each based on a randomized complete block design and fed from day 18 to 28 of the trial. Total excreta were collected from day 24 to 27 and used to determine total tract retention (TTR) of FA and MEn. On day 28, AA digestibility both by the distal half of the jejunum and the distal half of the ileum was determined, and microbiota of ileal and cecal digesta was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. There were significant interactions for ADG, ADFI, the gain:feed ratio (G:F), MEn, and the TTR of crude fat and most fatty acids (P≤0.046) except for C18, C18:2, and C22:0. Addition of SC decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P<0.001), while LC at 40 g/kg oil inclusion increased G:F and MEn (P<0.001) for both inclusion levels. The TTR of crude fat and the FA C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and C22:0 was increased by the addition of SC (P≤0.016), while LC increased the TTR of the FA C18:1 and C18:2 as well as the TTR of C18:3 at 20 g/kg oil inclusion (P≤0.016). Adding SC and LC increased the digestibility of seven and two AA by the distal half of the jejunum, respectively, and the digestibility of eight and 13 AA by the distal half of the ileum, respectively (P≤0.039). The β-diversity and abundance of some taxa were altered by addition of LC and SC in the ceca while no treatment effect on the ileal microbiota was found. The results give no indication of an incomplete release of the oil from the carriers because the TTR of most FA was increased upon addition of SC and LC. LC may be used to supply liposoluble feed additives without drawbacks for nutrient digestibility and growth while SC requires further examination.