Rapeseed Research Articles

Genetic Variation and QTL Analysis of Crude Fibre and Quality Traits in the Doubled Haploid Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Population R19 x Lord

ABSTRACTThe oil‐extracted meal of oilseed rape is used for feeding livestock and is a potential source of vegetable protein for human consumption. Its protein quality is limited by glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, phytates and crude fibres. The reduction of cellulose, hemicellulose and indigestible lignin in black‐seeded oilseed rape may enhance the protein content, colour, sensory quality and digestibility. The objective of this study was to analyse the inheritance of seed fibre components in relation to oil, protein and other quality traits in a DH population derived from the cross of low lignin lines R19 and cv. Lord. The population of 143 lines was tested in field experiments in six environments and was genotyped with Illumina 15K Brassica SNP chip. QTL and candidate genes were identified using the high‐quality long‐read reference genome of Express 617. Major QTL for fibre components were identified on chromosomes C01 and C03 with opposite additive and epistatic effects. Fibre QTL colocated with each other and QTL for seed colour, oil and protein. Epistatic effects were identified, which resulted in a further decrease of fibre content.

Amelioration of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Rapeseed (Brassica napus)-Derived Peptides through Stimulating Calcium-Sensing Receptor: Effects on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Secretion and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism.

The potential of rapeseed-derived peptides (RDPs) in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been hypothesized. However, the mechanisms of the intestinal endocrine hormones activated by RDPs have not been fully understood. This study aimed to explore the amelioration of T2DM and associated hepatic lipid metabolism disorders using RDPs by affecting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Eight RDPs were prepared by different stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis, wherein RCPP-3 (sequential using alcalase/flavourzyme) and RNPP-1 (sequential using alcalase/trypsin) maintained the normal blood glucose level, significantly increased the body weight (27.17 ± 0.19%) in T2DM mice compared to the positive group (p < 0.05). Western blotting and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that RCPP-3 and RNPP-1 regulated the intestinal endocrine hormones GLP-1 secretion through the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Additionally, the PI3K-Akt pathway was significantly activated by GLP-1, leading to marked improvements in hepatic lipid parameters (TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c) and mitigated fat accumulation (p < 0.05). Notably, the stimulating effect of RCPP-3 on GLP-1 was 10.05% ± 0.71% higher than RNPP-1. G2-R3, a fraction separated from RCPP-3, which contained 14 peptides with the best capacity to stimulate GLP-1 secretion, was identified using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. This study suggests the potential of RDPs as novel functional food supplements for ameliorating T2DM.

Effect of Soil Amendments on the Aggregate Stability, Biological Activity, and Yield of Canola (Brassica napus L.) in Degraded Soils

ABSTRACT Recycling organic waste and water treatment residues in nanoform is a promising technology in various farming systems, and its effect on aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola production in degraded soils is largely unknown. Hence, we evaluated the effect of nano-biochar (nB) and nano-water treatment residues (nWTR) at levels 50, 100, and 250 mg kg−1 as compared to soil without amendments on the aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola yield in degraded soil. The results showed that the structure coefficient (SC) values are higher when nB and nWTR are added at 100 mg kg−1 soil than at levels 50 and 250 mg kg−1. In our study, the high aggregate stability in the soil treated with nB and nWTR is likely due to their higher content of nutrients, organic carbon, clay, and CEC. The seed weight of the canola plant increased with increasing nB by more than 64%, while it decreased with increasing nWTR. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and the activity of dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) increased significantly in the treated pots with the addition of nB and nWTR at various rates. The results of the pot experiment recommended that the applications of nWTR and nB could be used as a promising strategy to improve soil quality and crop yield while also increasing the recycled efficiency of WTR and rice straw.

Effect of adding various supplements on physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of cooked rice

This study investigated the physicochemical modifications of cooked rice caused by adding various supplements (rapeseed oil, dried wasabi powder, and dried chili pepper powder). The physicochemical and digestive properties of treated cooked rice were analyzed using multiple techniques to determine the impact of supplements on the rice quality, including its starch digestibility. All samples with added supplements showed an increase in surface firmness (0.77–0.95 kg·m/s2 (N)) and a decrease in thickness (2.23–2.35 mm) and surface adhesiveness (1.43–7.22 J/m3). Compared to the control group, two absorption peaks at 2856 and 1748 cm−1 and new signals at 1683 and 1435 cm−1 appeared in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis of FTIR results revealed that the interaction force was mainly through noncovalent interactions. Moreover, adding supplements increased the resistant starch (RS) levels in all samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested that oil-enriched phases, proteins, and polyphenols could cause large agglomeration and loose gel structure. These results suggested the formation of amylose-guest molecule complexes, which may influence starch functionality. Our work could provide insight into the starch–supplement interactions and the key factors affecting starch digestibility.

Chemical Composition and Crystallization Behavior of Oil and Fat Blends for Spreadable Fat Applications.

To meet the expectations of European consumers, who prioritize agro-environmental factors and local resources, the substitution of fats (palm, coconut, shea) and achieving a balanced fatty acid profile in spreadable fats are gaining more attention. The crystallization at 4 °C of a lipid blend composed of rapeseed oil, anhydrous dairy fats, and emulsifiers was studied using a multi-scale approach (DSC and X-ray diffraction techniques) to understand the emergence of polymorphic structures. Although the addition of PUFA from rapeseed oil reduces the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the blend, controlling the cooling kinetics influences the shapes (needles and spherulites) and sizes of the crystalline structures (small crystals form at a cooling rate of 1 °C min-1, while larger crystals form at higher rates of 5 and 10 °C min-1). The crystallization behavior revealed differences in polymorphic forms at 4 °C in the blend, with a transition to different forms occurring more rapidly compared to dairy fat (stop-and-return method). The study shows crystalline coexistence (α, β', and β) in a 2L lamellar structure, with the β' form being predominant. This structure is ideal for formulating a spreadable product, offering good spreadability (SFC < 32% at 10 °C), mouthfeel, and nutritional benefits compared to butter.

Mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in Brassica napus L. for tolerance to water stress.

Brassica napus L. plants are sensitive to water stress conditions throughout their life cycle from seed germination to seed setting. This study aims at identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to B. napus tolerance to water stress mimicked by applications of 10% polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000). Two doubled haploid populations, each consisting of 150 genotypes, were used for this research. Plants at the two true leaf stage of development were grown in the absence (control) or presence (stress) of PEG-6000 under controlled environmental conditions for 48h, and the drought stress index was calculated for each genotype. All genotypes, along with their parents, were genotyped using the Brassica Infinium 90K SNP BeadChip Array. Inclusive composite interval mapping was used to identify QTL. Six QTL and 12 putative QTL associated with water stress tolerance were identified across six chromosomes (A2, A3, A4, A9, C3, and C7). Collectively, 2154 candidate genes for water stress tolerance were identified for all the identified QTL. Among them, 213 genes were identified as being directly associated with water stress (imposed by PEG-6000) tolerance based on nine functional annotations. These results can be incorporated into future breeding initiatives to select plant material with the ability to cope effectively with water stress.

Combined BSA-Seq and RNA-Seq Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Aluminum Toxicity in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Exchangeable aluminum (Al) ions released from acidic soils with pH < 5.5 inhibit root elongation of crops, ultimately leading to yield reduced. It is necessary to identify the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) and candidate genes that confer toxicity resistance to understand the mechanism and improve tolerance of rapeseed. In this study, an F2 segregating population was derived from a cross between Al-tolerance inbred line FDH188 (R178) and -sensitive inbred line FDH152 (S169), and the F2:3 were used as materials to map QTLs associated with the relative elongation of taproot (RET) under Al toxicity stress. Based on bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), three QTLs (qAT-A07-1, qAT-A07-2, and qAT-A09-1) were detected as significantly associated with RET, and 656 candidate genes were screened. By combined BSA and RNA-seq analysis, 55 candidate genes showed differentially expressed, including genes encoding ABC transporter G (ABCG), zinc finger protein, NAC, ethylene-responsive transcription factor (ERF), etc. These genes were probably positive factors in coping with Al toxicity stress in rapeseed. This study provides new insight into exploring the QTLs and candidate genes' response to Al toxicity stress by combined BSA-seq and RNA-seq and is helpful to further research on the mechanism of Al resistance in rapeseed.

Development of Brassica carinata A. Braun resistant to acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides

AbstractBrassica carinata A. Braun (carinata) has become an important oil crop for biofuel production in subtropical regions. Carinata is highly sensitive to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides, limiting its introduction into existing crop rotations. The objective of the study was to develop carinata lines resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. A susceptible carinata line was crossed with a resistant Brassica napus L. line. Lines derived from those crosses were screened at high doses of imidazolinones, which allowed identifying five lines with high levels of resistance. Doses to reduce plant growth 50% (GR50) and cause 50% injury (ID50) were four to nine times greater than susceptible lines. Resistant lines exhibited cross resistance with halosulfuron (sulfonylurea). Resistance was confirmed under field conditions with doses 2X and 4X for imazethapyr and 4X–8X for halosulfuron of their respective label doses. While susceptible lines died, resistant lines exhibited no injury or growth reductions compared with nontreated controls. Sequencing of the ALS gene indicated that all resistant lines carried a Trp574Leu amino acid substitution, a mutation responsible for resistance in other species. Crosses between resistant lines and a susceptible line demonstrated that the inheritance of the mutation corresponded with the resistance phenotype in the F2. The resistance trait behaved as a single, fully dominant allele, which makes it easier to transfer it to carinata lines with desirable agronomic traits. The resistant lines developed here provide flexibility for use in multiple crop rotations and opens the possibility to use ALS‐inhibiting herbicides for weed control within this crop's growing season.

Remediation of PBDE-contaminated soil using biochar-based bacterial consortium QY2Y

Biochar-immobilized microbial technologies hold substantial promise for the remediation of environmental contaminants. However, the understanding of remediation efficiency and the operation of microbial consortia in complex soil environments using biochar as a carrier remains limited. In this study, we explored the impacts of biochar combined with bacterial consortium QY2Y (consisting of Chitinophaga sp. MH-1, Achromobacter sp. YH-1, Methylobacterium sp. ZY-1, and Sphingomonas sp. GY-1) on BDE-47 dissipation in contaminated soil, as well as its effects on soil-plant systems. The findings indicated that the immobilization of biochar and QY2Y not only stimulated the biodegradation of BDE-47 (61.50%) but also decreased the bioavailability of BDE-47, subsequently reducing the concentration of BDE-47 in the edible portion of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by 82.00%. In addition, the combined treatment notably increased soil pH, enhanced the physicochemical properties and nutrient conditions of the soil, and amplified soil dehydrogenase, catalase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities by 58.72%, 69.25%, 54.24%, and 74.74%, respectively. The application of biochar-based QY2Y improved the soil microbial community structure, bolstered the interspecific symbiotic and cooperative relationships, and restructured the keystone taxa. The key species microbes had direct and significant positive effects on BDE-47 degradation, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activity. This study deepens our understanding of the potential applications of immobilized microbial consortia in treating PBDE-contaminated soils and offers guidance for the management and remediation of contaminated soils.

Transcriptomic dynamics of ABA response in Brassica napus guard cells

Drought has a significant, negative impact on crop production; and these effects are poised to increase with climate change. Plants acclimate to drought and water stress through diverse physiological responses, primarily mediated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Because plants lose the majority of their water through stomatal pores on aerial surfaces of plants, stomatal closure is one of the rapid responses mediated by ABA to reduce transpirational water loss. The dynamic changes in the transcriptome of stomatal guard cells in response to ABA have been investigated in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, guard cell transcriptomes have not been analyzed in agronomically valuable crops such as a major oilseed crop, rapeseed. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of ABA-regulated transcriptomes in stomatal guard cells of Brassica napus and conducted comparison analysis with the transcriptomes of A. thaliana. We discovered changes in gene expression indicating alterations in a host of physiological processes, including stomatal movement, metabolic reprogramming, and light responses. Our results suggest the existence of both immediate and delayed responses to ABA in Brassica guard cells. Furthermore, the transcription factors and regulatory networks mediating these responses are compared to those identified in Arabidopsis. Our results imply the continuing evolution of ABA responses in Brassica since its divergence from a common ancestor, involving both protein-coding and non-coding nucleotide sequences. Together, our results will provide a basis for developing strategies for molecular manipulation of drought tolerance in crop plants.

Introgression of Herbicide-Resistant Gene from Genetically Modified Brassica napus L. to Brassica rapa through Backcrossing.

Interspecific hybridization between two different Brassicaceae species, namely Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (♀) (AA, 2n = 2x = 20) and genetically modified Brassica napus (♂) (AACC, 2n = 4x = 38), was performed to study the transmission of a herbicide resistance gene from a tetraploid to a diploid Brassica species. Initially, four different GM B. napus lines were used for hybridization with B. rapa via hand pollination. Among the F1 hybrids, the cross involving the B. rapa (♀) × GM B. napus (♂) TG#39 line exhibited the highest recorded crossability index of 14.7 ± 5.7. However, subsequent backcross progenies (BC1, BC2, and BC3) displayed notably lower crossability indices. The F1 plants displayed morphological characteristics more aligned with the male parent B. napus, with significant segregation observed in the BC1 generation upon backcrossing with the recurrent parent B. rapa. By the BC2 and BC3 generations, the progeny stabilized, manifesting traits from both parents to varying degrees. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a substantial reduction in chromosome numbers, particularly in backcrossing progenies. BC1 plants typically exhibited 21-25 chromosomes, while BC2 progenies showed 21-22 chromosomes, and by the BC3 generation, stability was achieved with an average of 20 chromosomes. SSR marker analysis confirmed the progressive reduction of C-genome regions, retaining minimal C-genome-specific bands throughout successive backcrossing. Despite the extensive elimination of C-genome-specific genomic regions, the glyphosate resistance gene from the male parent B. napus was introgressed into BC3 progenies, suggesting that the glyphosate resistance gene located and introgressed in A-chromosome/genome regions of the Brassica plants.

A comparative study of yield components and their trade-off in oilseed crops (Brassica napus L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun)

Canola (Brassica napus L.) and carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) are two oilseed crops that have seen a surge in demand in recent years. However, current yields achieved by farmers are inconsistent and significantly lower than those achieved in research experiments. Therefore, a better understanding of the trade-off between yield components is crucial to help breeders develop new high-yielding cultivars and for farmers to manage their crops more effectively. Unfortunately, scientific literature focused on trade-offs between yield components in rapeseed is scarce for canola and lacking for carinata. To address this issue, we conducted field experiments in Uruguay over three consecutive seasons (2016–2018) using the cultivars “Rivette” and “Avanza 641” for canola and carinata, respectively. Our goal was to study yield compensation and determine the comparative performance of canola and carinata across a wide range of sowing dates. Our results showed that carinata yields ranged from 854 kg ha−1 to 7283 kg ha−1, while canola yields ranged from 1152 kg ha−1 to 4489 kg ha−1. Higher biomass production was linked to increased yields in carinata, while an increase in biomass did not necessarily result in higher yields in canola due to a harvest index reduction. Carinata yield was positively correlated with grain number, silique number, and grains per silique. In canola, moderate to large yield changes were primarily influenced by grain number and grain weight, as silique number had a negative trade-off with yield, while grains per silique had a neutral relationship with yield. Our study revealed a distinct yield building process in canola and carinata, despite the general belief that they share physiological similarities and can be managed alike. These findings enhance our understanding of crop knowledge and management, potentially leading to increased crop productivity, and generate more effective breeding programs. Enhancing the yield performance of canola and carinata will position them as economically profitable crops, allowing for greater crop diversification and meeting the growing global demand for biofuels.

Rice husk biochar is more effective in blocking the cadmium and lead accumulation in two Brassica vegetables grown on a contaminated field than sugarcane bagasse biochar.

Heavy metal-contaminated soil has a great impact on yield reduction of vegetable crops and soil microbial community destruction. Biochar-derived waste biomass is one of the most commonly applied soil conditioners in heavy metal-contaminated soil. Different heavy metal-contaminated soil added with suitable biochars represent an intriguing way of the safe production of crops. This study investigated the effects of two types of biochar [rice husk biochar (RHB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB)] on Cd and Pb accumulation in Shanghaiqing (SHQ, a variety of Brassica campestris L.) and Fengyou 737 (FY, a variety of Brassica napus), as well as on the soil microbial community, through a field experiment. RHB and SBB were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method. The results showed that RHB and SBB displayed the higher pH, cation exchange capacity and pore properties, and the addition of RHB and SBB enhanced soil pH and rhizosphere microorganisms promoting vegetables yield. RHB treatments were more effective than SBB in reducing upward transfer of Cd and Pb, blocking the accumulation of Cd and Pb in the edible parts of SHQ and FY, and decreasing soil Cd and Pb bioavailability. Additionally, RHB and SBB changed the composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial community. The application of biochar promoted the growth of ecologically beneficial bacteria (Nitrospira, Opitutus, and Gemmatimonas) and fungi (Mortierella and Holtermanniella), whereas reducing the enrichment of plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria, Stagonosporopsis, Lectera, and Periconia) in rhizosphere soil. Our findings demonstrated that the application of RHB significantly reduces Cd and Pb accumulation in the edible parts by decreasing the soil Cd and Pb bioavailability and altering the rhizosphere microbial community composition in two Brassica vegetables grown on Cd/Pb-contaminated soils. Thus, the application of two biochar, especially RHB is a feasible strategy for the safe production of vegetable crops in Cd/Pb co-contaminated soils.

Nitrogen requirements of canola (Brassica napus L.) at sustained deficit irrigation levels in central Free State, South Africa

In South Africa canola (Brassica napus L.) is cultivated in rotation with wheat under winter rainfall in the Western Cape province. Expansion of the crop to the other eight provinces is propagated to reduce a shortage of locally produced plant oils. At the same time, canola may serve as a rotational crop for wheat in these summer rainfall provinces. In central Free State, agronomic information for canola production is lacking. An experiment with a line source sprinkler irrigation system was therefore conducted to establish the influence of water application levels (175, 233, 295, 351 and 420 mm) in combination with nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha−1) on the branches, pods and seeds per canola plant. The biomass and seed yields of canola were also measured, allowing calculation of harvest indices. All six variables were strongly influenced by the interaction of water and N applications. An optimal seed yield of 2.907 kg ha−1 was estimated with a 351 mm water application and a 280 kg ha−1 N application. This resulted in a water use efficiency of 8.28 kg seed ha−1 mm−1 water and a nitrogen use efficiency of 10.38 kg seed kg−1 N.

Yield, cell structure and physiological and biochemical characteristics of rapeseed under waterlogging stress

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major oilseed crop in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. However, it is susceptible to waterlogging stress. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics, cellular changes, and gene expression patterns of rapeseed under waterlogging stress, with the goal of providing a foundation for breeding waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed. The results revealed that waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed exhibited higher levels of soluble sugars and antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly in the roots. Conversely, waterlogging-sensitive rapeseed displayed greater changes in malondialdehyde, proline, and hydrogen peroxide levels. Cellular observations showed that after experiencing waterlogging stress, the intercellular space of rapeseed leaf cells expanded, leading to disintegration of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Moreover, the area of the root xylem increased, the number of vessels grew, and there were signs of mitochondrial disintegration and vacuole shrinkage, with more pronounced changes observed in waterlogging-sensitive rapeseed. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the transcription levels of genes related to anaerobic respiration and flavonoid biosynthesis, and different varieties demonstrated varied responses to waterlogging stress. In conclusion, there are differences in the response of different varieties to waterlogging stress at the levels of morphology, physiological characteristics, cell structure, and gene transcription. Waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed responds to waterlogging stress by regulating its antioxidant defense system. This study provides valuable insights for the development of waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed varieties.

Alleviative effect of iron chlorin e6 on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat

Abstract Isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a worry for many farmers in chemical control of weeds in wheat fields, especially in subzero weather conditions. Iron chlorin e6 (ICe6), a new plant growth regulator, has been reported to enhance crop stress resistance to alleviate damage caused by stress; however, it is not clear whether ICe6 has an alleviative effect on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat. We determined the alleviative effect of ICe6 on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat, and 0.018 g ai ha−1 was the optimal dose. Meanwhile, we also studied the photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidant enzyme activity of wheat treated with the three different treatments. We found that the photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthesis of wheat damaged by isoproturon were significantly lower than those of the control, and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. These results indicate that isoproturon stress significantly weakened the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity of wheat. The photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters (excluding intercellular CO2 concentration), and antioxidant enzyme activity of isoproturon+ICe6– treated wheat were significantly higher than those of isoproturon-treated wheat. The H2O2 and MDA content was significantly lower than that of isoproturon-treated wheat. These results indicate that ICe6 treatment maintained the photosynthetic pigment content of wheat and relatively improved photosynthetic capacity, allowing photosynthesis to proceed normally. ICe6 treatment also limits the decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity, effectively clearing excess reactive oxygen species and ultimately alleviating membrane lipid peroxidation damage. In summary, ICe6 not only enhances stress resistance and increases yield in crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and canola (Brassica napus L.), but also has an alleviating effect on the isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat, which is manifested by the improvement of photosynthetic and antioxidant abilities, ultimately leading to an increase in wheat shoot height and shoot fresh weight.

A novel strategy to map a locus associated with flowering time in canola (Brassica napus L.).

Flowering time is an important agronomic trait for canola breeders, as it provides growers with options for minimizing exposure to heat stress during flowering and to more effectively utilize soil moisture. Plants have evolved various systems to control seasonal rhythms in reproductive phenology including an internal circadian clock that responds to environmental signals. In this study, we used canola cultivar 'Westar' as a recurrent parent and canola cultivar 'Surpass 400' as the donor parent to generate a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) and to map a flowering time locus on chromosome A10 using molecular marker-assisted selection. This CSSL contains an introgressed 4.6 mega-bases (Mb) segment (between 13 and 17.6Mb) of Surpass 400, which substantially delayed flowering compared with Westar. To map flowering time gene(s) within this locus, eight introgression lines (ILs) were developed carrying a series of different lengths of introgressed chromosome A10 segments using five co-dominant polymorphic markers located at 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, and 16.0Mb. Eight ILs were crossed with Westar reciprocally and flowering time of resultant 16 F1 hybrids and parents were evaluated in a greenhouse (2021 and 2022). Four ILs (IL005, IL017, IL035, and IL013) showed delayed flowering compared to Westar (P < 0.0001), and their reciprocal crosses displayed a phenotype intermediate in flowering time of both homozygote parents. These results indicated that flowering time is partial or incomplete dominance, and the flowering time locus mapped within a 1Mb region between two co-dominant polymorphic markers at 14.5-15.5Mb on chromosome A10. The flowering time locus was delineated to be between 14.60 and 15.5Mb based on genotypic data at the crossover site, and candidate genes within this region are associated with flowering time in canola and/or Arabidopsis. The co-dominant markers identified on chromosome A10 should be useful for marker assisted selection in breeding programs but will need to be validated to other breeding populations or germplasm accessions of canola.

Application of 2D Extension of Hjorth’s Descriptors to Distinguish Defined Groups of Bee Pollen Images

Adulteration of food products is a serious problem in the current economy. Honey has become the third most counterfeit food product in the world and requires effective authentication methods. This article presents a new approach to the differentiation of bee pollen, which can support the development of a methodology to test honey quality based on the analysis of bee pollen. The proposed method is built on applying the Hjorth descriptors—Activity, Mobility, and Complexity—known from electroencephalography (EEG) analysis, for 2D bee pollen images. The sources for extracting the bee pollen images were the photos of honey samples, which were taken using a digital camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels connected to the tube of an optical microscope. The honey samples used were prepared according to the Polish standard PN-88/A-77626 (related to the European standard CELEX-32001L0110-PL-TXT). The effectiveness of the proposed method was positively verified for three selected groups of bee pollen—Brassica napus, Helianthus, and Phacelia—containing 35 images. Statistical analysis confirms the ability of the Hjorth descriptors to differentiate the indicated bee pollen groups. Based on the results obtained, there is a significant difference between the bee pollen groups under consideration regarding Activity p&lt;0.00001, Mobility p&lt;0.0001, and Complexity p&lt;0.00001.

Preliminary Studies on the Effect of Soil Conditioner (AMP) Application on the Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil under Winter Oilseed Rape Cultivation

This study analyzed the effect of the application of a soil conditioner under the trade name of the Agro Mineral Product (AMP) in the winter rapeseed cultivation on the bacterial and fungal abundance, ion concentrations, and electrolytic conductivity of the soil solution. It was demonstrated that the AMP influenced changes in the total abundance of the culturable fractions of the soil bacteria and fungi at each of the tested time points. A stimulatory effect of the preparation on the growth of the soil bacteria and an inhibitory effect on the development of the fungi was observed, particularly at doses of 4 and 8 t·ha−1. A dose of 12 t·ha−1 proved to be the least effective in relation to the development of the soil microbiome. Increasing the AMP fertilization dose above 4 t·ha−1 caused changes in the chemistry of the soil solution (pH, EC, HCO3−, K+, and PO4-P). It is worth noting that this primarily resulted in decreases in the amounts of mobile forms of potassium (from 40.4 mg·dm−3 in the control to 26.7 mg·dm−3 at the 8 t·ha−1 dose) and orthophosphate as phosphorus (from −6.00 mg·dm−3 in the control to 3.75 mg·dm−3 at the 8 t·ha−1 dose) in the soil solution, which resulted in a reduction in the yield of the winter rapeseed (from 4.76 t·ha−1 in the control to 4.61 t·ha−1 at the 8 t·ha−1 and 4.43 t·ha−1 at the 12 t·ha−1 AMP dose).

Tailoring Fumaric Acid Delivery: The Role of Surfactant-Enhanced Solid Lipid Microparticles via Spray-Congealing.

Fumaric acid, a naturally occurring preservative with antimicrobial properties, has been widely used in the baking industry. However, its direct addition interferes with yeast activity and negatively impacts the gluten structure. This study investigates the potential of spray-congealing as a method for encapsulating fumaric acid within solid lipid microparticles. The selection of lipid carriers and surfactants is critical, so hydrogenated palm stearin, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, and Compritol ATO 888 (glyceryl behenate) were chosen as lipid carriers, and propylene glycol monostearate and glyceryl monolaurate were utilised as surfactants with varying concentrations. Rheological properties, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, moisture content, and thermal behaviour were assessed, along with the release profiles under different temperature conditions simulating the baking process. The findings indicate that the addition of surfactants significantly impacts the viscosity and stability of the molten mixtures, which in turn affects the spray-congealing process and the release of fumaric acid. The temperature-dependent and time-dependent release profiles demonstrate the potential for customising release kinetics to suit specific applications, such as the baking industry. This study may contribute to the development of a controlled-release system that synchronises with the baking process, thereby optimising fumaric acid's functionality while preserving the quality of baked goods.