Reduction In Oil Content Research Articles

Farklı Sıcaklık ve Sürelerde Ön Kurutma İşlemine Tabi Tutulduktan Sonra Kızartılmış Glütensiz Cipslerin Yağ Absorplama Kapasitelerinin ve Bazı Fizikokimyasal İçerikleri ile Duyusal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Bu çalışmanın amacı, glütensiz cips ürününün derin yağda kızartılmadan önce farklı sıcaklık ve sürelerde ön kurutmaya tabii tutularak nem ve yağ absorplama kapasitesinin araştırılmasıdır. Ayrıca cipsin bazı fizikokimyasal içeriği ile duyusal özelliklerinin belirlenmesi de bir diğer amaçtır. 60°C ve 15 dk‘ya kadar yapılan ön kurutma neticesinde örneklerin kuru madde içerikleri artarken sıcaklık 70°C‘ye çıkartıldığında azalma göstermiştir. Benzer olarak örneklerin yağ içerikleri aynı sıcaklık ve süreye kadar 19,21 g/100g dan 13,06 g/100g‘a kadar azalma gösterirken daha sonraki sıcaklık ve sürelerde artış sergilemiştir. Örneklerin kül, su aktivitesi ve protein değerlerinde herhangi bir değişim gözlenmemiştir. Örneklerin renkleri ön kurutma işleminden önemli derecede etkilenmiş ve ön kurutma şartlarına bağlı olarak parlaklık ve sarılığın azaldığı, kırmızılığın ise arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Duysal analizlerde de panelistler cips örneklerine artan ön kurutma sıcaklığı ve süresine bağlı olarak düşük renk skorları vermiştir. Sertlik, tat/koku, yağlılık ve genel beğenide ise anlamlı bir fark tespit edilmemiştir. Bu çalışmada yağ içeriği azaltılmış ve daha sağlıklı glütensiz cips ön kurutma işlemi kullanılarak üretilmiştir

Seed and Biomass Yield Responses of Blessed Thistle to Nitrogen and Density

Core Ideas This is the first report of blessed thistle response to nitrogen and plant density. Optimizing nitrogen and density improved quality and quantity of blessed thistle seed. Under low yielding conditions, the actual yield of blessed thistle is acceptable. Blessed thistle is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Developing alternative oilseed crops with acceptable seed yield and biomass production in low‐yielding environments could be a part of sustainable agriculture management strategies. Field experiments were conducted in a semiarid region of Iran in 2013 and 2014 to determine the effects of N fertilizer rates and plant densities on growth, seed yield and quality of blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus L.) under low yielding conditions. Randomized complete‐block design with factorial arrangement of treatments was used in three replicates. Treatments consisted of four N rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1) combined with five plant densities (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 plants m−2). According to quadratic functions, the maximum seed yield (913 kg ha−1) was achieved with 122 kg N ha−1 and 16 plants m−2. Although the seed oil content decreased with increasing N rates, increased seed yield partially compensated for the reduction in oil content. Higher seed protein was obtained from low plant densities (5–10 plants m−2) and high N rates (100–150 kg N ha−1). Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) decreased by 30 to 40% as a result of increased plant density across all N rates. Plant density and N did not affect seed fatty acid profiles, even though N rate by year interaction affected the profile. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid comprising 62.5 to 66.2% of the total fatty acids. The study demonstrates that blessed thistle could be a promising oil crop for cultivation in low yielding soils, although breeding work is needed to enhance its prospects as a viable oil crop.

Comparative analysis of seed yield and biochemical attributes in different sunflower genotypes under different levels of irrigation and salinity

SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annus L.) is an important oilseed crop in so many countries which suffer from seed and oil yield reduction by limited water or soil salinity. Since some responses to water and salt stress are common, other responses may vary according to the genotype and/or stress level. The role of the genetic diversity on the responses of sunflower yield, oil quality and the fatty acid composition to the different levels of irrigation and soil salinity in two field experiments were investigated. Three registered parental lines; HA 429, HA 430 and HA 20 and two hybrids; H (A9xRF6) and H (A9xRF8), in addition to one cultivar; Sakha 53 were used in this study. The results showed significant effects of genotype, level of stress and their interactions on most of the examined characteristics. Water stress caused a major reduction of protein content and oil yield than salinity stress. Different genotypes with similar oil contents had different oil yields under stress treatments. The hybrids H (A9xRF6) and H (A9xRF8) showed less reduction in oil content by both irrigation and salinity treatments, compared to the other genotypes and this candidate them for cultivation in stressed regions. The results also showed that some fatty acids, particularly stearic acid and oleic acid, were dependent on the genotype and the stress level in both experiments.

Debottlenecking Through Produced-Water Partial Processing Unlocks Production

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 187109, “Partial Processing: Produced-Water Debottlenecking Unlocks Production on Offshore Thailand MOPU Platform,” by C.H. Rawlins, SPE, eProcess Technologies, prepared for the 2017 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 9–11 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed. An operator in the western Gulf of Thailand installed two water-management partial-processing systems on its mobile offshore production units (MOPUs) to increase oil production. Water removed at the production manifold is treated and transferred directly to the injection system, thus bypassing primary separation, transfer piping, fluid heating, and floating storage facilities. Water debottlenecking increased oil production by 80% and reduced the in-field transfer volume by 62%. Introduction In mature oil basins, the ability to sustain oil production depends on managing an increasing volume of produced water. The partial-processing method seeks bulk (not complete) removal of a throughput-constraining phase from oil and gas production using compact processing equipment. Partial-processing technology normally is installed on facilities that have space or weight constraints, where traditional separation technologies will not fit. Fitting within or around existing process equipment, partial-processing equipment maximizes the capability of an existing facility footprint. The constraining phase may be gas or water, and specific technologies are available to address each. The application detailed in this paper addresses produced-water debottlenecking. Removal of the water constraint unlocks production potential from mature or marginal fields and has been shown to increase hydrocarbon production. Design Stages and Setup For water-constrained systems, the most significant benefit comes from the removal of bulk water as far upstream as possible. High-water-cut wells are combined into a discrete manifold that may handle part or all of the field production. The partial-processing system is on this manifold, upstream from the existing process equipment. Debottlenecking at this point opens capacity in the flow lines, transfer piping, and processing facilities. The partial-processing skid can be installed on unmanned platforms with limited utilities and space and weight constraints. Bulk water removal and treatment may have two or three stages. The first stage, preseparation, involves bulk water removal from the multiphase-flow stream. A specially designed liquid/liquid hydrocyclone (preseparator) removes a bulk portion (60–95%) of the water from the flow stream. Next, the removed bulk water passes to the deoiler hydrocyclone, which operates in a standard produced-water-treating mode. For example, the preseparator will reduce oil content from 10 to 0.2%. The deoiler will take the 2,000-ppm oil down to or near discharge quality (20–50 ppm), depending on oil properties, pressure drop, and temperature. A tertiary treatment stage is optional and is used for difficult separation (e.g., cold fluids with heavy oil) or very stringent disposal requirements (e.g., low oil-in-water levels for enhanced-oil- recovery injection). This stage uses a compact flotation unit (CFU) for both degassing and oil polishing. The CFU removes gas effervescing from solution after the deoiler (which can be 5–10% of the gas void fraction) and uses that gas to float the fine oil droplets.

Yield and kernel nutritional quality in normal maize and quality protein maize cultivars exposed to ozone.

Tropospheric ozone (O3 ) is phytotoxic and therefore impacts global food security. In the present study yield responses and kernel quality traits of two maize cultivars [DHM117: normal maize (NM)] and [HQPM1: quality protein maize (QPM)] are investigated. Cultivars were exposed to two doses of elevated O3 , namely NFC+15 and NFC+30 ppb O3 above ambient level (NFC, non-filtered chambers) while filtered chambers served as control. Test weight (thousand kernel weight), weight of kernels per square meter and kernel starch content reduced more in NM than QPM due to elevated O3 exposure. Total soluble and reducing sugars increased in both the cultivars being more in NM. Though, endosperm protein showed comparatively more increase in QPM than NM, decline in essential amino acids tryptophan and lysine was higher in QPM. Majority of nutrient elements increased after O3 treatment, while reductions in oil content as well as saturated fatty acids were observed in both test cultivars. Of the two essential fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acid reduced while omega 6 fatty acid contents increased in QPM. Oil became more unsaturated (increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids) upon O3 exposure, thus increasing its reactivity and hence became more prone to auto-oxidation. Elevated O3 caused losses in yield of maize cultivars and NM showed higher sensitivity than QPM. Kernel quality analysis revealed significant changes in nutritional parameters. Carbohydrate content reduced more in NM, while essential amino acids and saturated fatty acids showed more decline in QPM. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of ultrasound and microwave assisted vacuum frying on mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) chips quality

The effect of ultrasound on frying rate and product quality of fried mushroom chips (FMC) was investigated using microwave assisted vacuum frying (MVF). To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound during frying at different microwave power levels (800, 900 and 1000 W) and different frying temperature (80, 85 and 90 ℃), quality parameters (moisture loss rate, oil uptake rate, texture, color and microstructure) of the FMC obtained from vacuum frying (VF), MVF and ultrasound assisted microwave vacuum frying (UMVF) were analyzed and compared. It was found that UMVF accounts for the highest moisture loss rate with the increase of microwave power and frying temperature. Considering the oil uptake rate, UMVF could reduce oil content by 16–20% compared to VF and MVF. UMVF chips also had better texture and the most acceptable color characteristics among the frying techniques studied. The optimum condition of 1000 W and 90 ℃ achieved a higher moisture evaporation rate and lower oil content. Microstructure observations showed that the surface structures of UMVF fried samples were the smoothest and also showed less distorted cells. Based on the parameters evaluated, UMVF mushroom chips had the best-fried matrices as well as accelerated frying rate, lower oil uptake, improved texture and color.

(Invited) Rheology of the Low Fat Mayonnaise Containing Agar Micro-Gels

We developed agar micro-gel oil suspensions using a W/O emulsion system. A new type of low fat food can be made by substituting oil phase for the agar micro-gel oil suspension. We attempted to prepare a series of low-fat mayonnaise using the agar micro-gel oil suspensions. A model mayonnaise which contains 60% oil was prepared as a control (M60). A low-fat mayonnaise which was made by using the agar micro-gel oil suspension as its oil phase. Since the agar micro-gel oil suspension contained 40 wt % agar micro-gels, the oil contents of this sample reduced 60% in comparison with M60 (M36+agar). We also prepared another model mayonnaise which was just reduced oil content in 60% as negative control (M36). We measured rheological properties of these samples. The apparent viscosity of M36 decreased in comparison with M60 dramatically, however, consistency drop of M36+agar was minimal. We also analyzed the frequency dependence of the complex modulus using a weal-gel model. This analysis revealed that agar micro-gels worked as viscosity thickener in the aqueous phase. It can be expected that the texture of the low fat mayonnaise made by this new method is similar to a full fat mayonnaise.

Attempts to rescue yield loss in continuous canola with agronomic inputs

Recent canola acreage and production in western Canada have reached record high levels. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 on land previously seeded to continuous canola for 6 yr at three Canadian Prairie sites. We determined that more intensive seed inputs, fertilizer, fungicide, tillage, or chaff removal could increase continuous canola yields compared with a “standard practice” (SP) treatment or match yields compared with canola in rotation. Recommended or 50% higher fertility levels alone or in combination with a higher seeding rate, tillage, chaff removal, or additional fungicide were applied to the same plots in three successive years to determine effects after 1, 2, and 3 yr of treatment imposition. In continuous canola, blackleg incidence and severity were both reduced by fungicide treatment. In rotations where canola was preceded by wheat, blackleg incidence and severity were much lower than in continuous canola. None of the treatments improved continuous canola yields compared with SP after a single year of treatment imposition. In subsequent years, canola yield increases compared with SP usually occurred as a result of additional fertilizer, seed, or fungicide. In the final year, canola yield loss due to continuous canola was largely rescued by additional seed and fertilizer. Without additional inputs, and when preceded by a different crop, canola yields averaged 11% greater than the average of all continuous canola treatments. High fertility regimes generally reduced oil content and increased protein content relative to standard fertility in continuous canola or relative to canola preceded by wheat.

Inoculation with bacteria in floating treatment wetlands positively modulates the phytoremediation of oil field wastewater

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of plant-bacterial synergism in floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) for efficient remediation of an oil field wastewater. Two plants, Brachiara mutica and Phragmites australis, were vegetated on floatable mats to develop FTWs, and inoculated with bacterial cons which were then inoculated with a consortium of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (Bacillus subtilis strain LORI66, Klebsiella sp. strain LCRI87, Acinetobacter Junii strain TYRH47, Acinetobacter sp. strain LCRH81). Both plants successfully removed organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater, but bioaugmentation of P. australis significantly enhanced the plant’s efficiency to reduce oil content (97%), COD (93%), and BOD (97%), in wastewater. Analysis of alkane-degrading gene (alkB) abundance and its expression profile further validated a higher microbial growth and degradation activity in water around P. australis as well as its roots and shoots. This study provides insight into the available phytotechnology for remediation of crude oil-contaminated water and introduces a wetland macrophyte, P. australis, with tailor-made bacterial consortium as an effective tool for improved phytoremediation efficiency of FTWs.

Alteration in yield and oil quality traits of winter rapeseed by lodging at different planting density and nitrogen rates

Lodging is a factor that negatively affects yield, seed quality, and harvest ability in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). In this study, we quantified the lodging-induced yield losses, changes in fatty acid composition, and oil quality in rapeseed under different nitrogen application rates and planting densities. Field experiments were conducted in 2014–2017 for studying the effect of manually-induced lodging angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°), 10, 20 and 30 d post-flowering at different densities and nitrogen application rates. The fertilization/planting density combination N270D45 produced the maximum observed yield and seed quality. Timing and angle of lodging had significant effects on yield. Lodging at 90° induced at 10 d post-flowering caused the maximum reduction in yield, biomass, and silique photosynthesis. Seed yield losses were higher at high N application rates, the maximum being at N360D45. Lodging decreased seed oil content and altered its fatty acid composition by increasing stearic and palmitic acid content, while decreasing linoleic and linolenic acid content, and deteriorating oil quality by increasing erucic acid and glucosinolate content. Therefore, lodging-induced yield loss and reduction in oil content might be reduced by selecting optimum N level and planting density.

The effect of oat bran and psyllium husk fibre on oil reduction and some physicochemical properties of magwinya – a deep-fried dough

ABSTRACTOat bran (OB) and psyllium husk fibre (PF) were incorporated into magwinya (fat cake) – a cereal fried dough with the aim of reducing oil content and evaluating some of its physicochemical properties using one-factor of the response surface methodology. Two methods of magwinya processing were employed: traditional (TM) and modified (MM) methods. Addition of PF and OB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced oil in MM compared to TM. Lowest oil content for PF and OB magwinya were 3.10 and 4.35% using MM and 6.00 and 6.25% for TM. Addition of PF up to 3% and OB up to 2% significantly improved textural properties. Comparing the additives and the method of production, optimum conditions with highest desirability of 0.83 was obtained for OB modified magwinya with 35.08% moisture, 2.31% ash and 4.74% oil. Hence, the use of MM and OB reduced oil absorption.

Regulation of Carbon Partitioning in the Seed of the Model Legume Medicago truncatula and Medicago orbicularis: A Comparative Approach.

The proportion of starch, protein and oil in legume seeds is species dependent. The model legume, Medicago truncatula, has predominantly oil and protein stores. To investigate the regulation of seed oil production we compared M. truncatula with M. orbicularis, which has less oil and protein. The types of protein and fatty acids are similar between the two species. Electron microscopy indicated that the size and distribution of the oil bodies in M. orbicularis, is consistent with reduced oil production. M. orbicularis has more extruded endosperm mucilage compared to M. truncatula. The cotyledons have a greater cell wall content, visualized as thicker cell walls. The reduced oil content in M. orbicularis is associated with increased expression of the MtGLABRA2-like (MtGL2) transcription factor, linked to an inverse relationship between mucilage and oil content in Arabidopsis. The expression of the pectin biosynthesis GALACTURONOSYLTRANSFERASE (GAUT) genes, is also increased in M. orbicularis. These increases in extruded mucilage and cell wall storage components in M. orbicularis are accompanied by reduced expression of transcriptional regulators of oil biosynthesis, MtLEAFY COTYLEDON1-LIKE (MtL1L), MtABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE3 (MtABI3), and MtWRINKLED-like (MtWRI), in M. orbicularis. The reduced oil in M. orbicularis, is consistent with increased synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides and decreased expression of master transcription factors regulating oil biosynthesis and embryo maturation. Comparative investigations between these two Medicago species is a useful system to investigate the regulation of oil content and carbon partitioning in legumes.

Critical evaluation of post-consumption food waste composting employing thermophilic bacterial consortium

Effect of single-function (oil degrading) and multi-functional bacterial consortium with zeolite as additive for post-consumption food waste (PCFW) composting was investigated through assessing the oil content reduction in a computer controlled 20-L composter. Three treatments of PCFWs combined with 10% zeolite were developed: Treatment-2 and Treatment-3 were inoculated with multi-functional (BC-1) and oil degrading bacterial consortium (BC-2), respectively, while T-1 was without bacterial inoculation and served as control. Results revealed that BC-2 inoculated treatment (T-3) was superior to control treatment and marginally better than T-2 in terms of oil degradation. The reduction of oil content was >97.8% in T-3 and 92.27% in T-2, while total organic matter degradation was marginally higher in T-2 (42.95%) than T-3 (41.67%). Other parameters of compost maturity including germination test indicated that T-2 was marginally better than T-3 and significantly enhanced the oily PCFW decomposition and shortened the composting period by 20days.

Quantifying lodging-induced yield losses in oilseed rape

Lodging has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the lack of improvement in farm yields of oilseed rape. Despite this, no studies have attempted to quantify the cost of lodging at regional or national scales. The objectives of this study were to better understand the impact of timing and angle of lodging on seed yield and oil content of modern oilseed rape varieties, test whether a model predicting lodging-induced yield losses for wheat is appropriate for oilseed rape and quantify the extent of lodging in UK oilseed rape crops using an aerial photograph survey, estimating the consequential effects of lodging on the value of the crop at a national scale. Artificial lodging experiments showed that the crop developmental stage at which lodging occurred and the angle of lodging had a significant impact on yield, with lodging to 90° during flowering reducing yield by 46% and lodging to 45° during flowering reducing yield by approximately 20%. Variable, but usually smaller amounts of yield were lost when lodging occurred during seed filling. Reductions in oil content of the seed were greatest when lodging occurred to 90° at early flowering. Yield losses were mainly related to reductions in seeds/m2. A model for predicting lodging-induced yield losses in winter wheat was tested for its suitability in predicting the effect of different angles of lodging at different growth stages on yield in oilseed rape against the experimental datasets. This wheat model was based on existing models of canopy photosynthesis and respiration to account for lodging induced changes to the canopy and the impact on light capture and rates of photosynthesis and respiration. This was shown to provide a reasonable prediction of yield losses from lodging during flowering, which indicated that reductions in photosynthesis was the primary cause of yield loss. The model was less effective at predicting yield losses from lodging during seed filling and additional work is required to explore whether the model needs further development to be appropriate for sink limited crops such as oilseed rape. In 2012 and 2014, approximately 35% and 27% of oilseed rape fields surveyed in the UK contained some lodging respectively. It is estimated that lodging to 90° during early flowering could cost the UK oilseed rape industry£120 million per year and lodging to 45° during mid seed fill could cost £47 million per year.

Erratum to: Variation in Seed Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Globe Artichoke Under Different Irrigation Regimes

Seed oil content of globe artichoke and its composition were assessed under three irrigation regimes, including irrigation at 20, 50, and 80 % depletion of soil available water. Water deficit affected the phenological characteristics, amount and the quality of the oil as well as the phenolics and antioxidant activity of the leaves and capitula. The seed oil content ranged from 18.7 % in 80 % to 22.8 % in 20 % treatment. The fatty acid composition of oil was determined using gas chromatography (GC). The predominant fatty acids in the oil were linoleic (51.68 %), oleic (34.22 %), palmitic (9.94 %), and stearic (3.58 %). Water deficit leads to reduced oil content, linoleic acid, the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and the iodine value. On the other hand, some other fatty acids such as palmitic and oleic acid and also the ratio of oleic/linoleic acid were elevated due to water deficit. Higher antioxidant activity was observed in capitula (IC50 = 222.6 μg ml−1) in comparison to the leaves (IC50 = 285.8 μg ml−1). Finally, the severe drought stress condition caused to gain higher oil stability, while the highest seed oil content and unsaturated fatty acids in the oil was obtained in non-stress condition. Moreover, high phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity as well as appreciable dry matter content were obtained in the moderate water stress condition.

Simultaneous Targeting of Multiple Gene Homeologs to Alter Seed Oil Production in Camelina sativa.

The ability to transform Camelina sativa easily with biosynthetic enzymes derived from other plants has made this oil seed crop an ideal platform for the production of unusual lipids valuable for different applications. However, in addition to expressing transgenic enzymes, the suppression of endogenous enzyme activity to reduce competition for common substrates or cofactors is also required to enhance the production of target compounds. As camelina possesses a relatively undifferentiated hexaploid genome, up to three gene homeologs can code for any particular enzymatic activity, complicating efforts to alter endogenous biosynthetic pathways. New genome editing technologies, such as that offered by the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system, offer the capability to introduce mutations into specifically targeted genomic sites. Here, by using a carefully designed guide RNA identical to all three homeologs, we demonstrate the ability of the CRISPR/Cas genome editing system to introduce mutations in all three CsDGAT1 or CsPDAT1 homeologous genes important for triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis in developing seeds. Sequence analysis from transgenic T1 plants revealed that each CsDGAT1 or each CsPDAT1 homeolog was altered by multiple mutations, resulting in a genetic mosaic in the plants. Interestingly, seed harvested from both CsDGAT1- and CsPDAT1-targeted lines was often shrunken and wrinkled. Further, lipid analysis revealed that many lines produced seed with reduced oil content and altered fatty acid composition, consistent with the role of the targeted genes in seed oil biosynthesis. The CRISPR/Cas system therefore represents a useful method to alter endogenous biosynthetic pathways efficiently in polyploid species such as camelina.

Changes in N, K, and Fatty Acid Composition of Black Cumin Seeds Affected by Nitrogen Doses under Supplemental Potassium Application

This study was carried out to determine the efficiency of nitrogen (N) doses (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1) under supplemental potassium (K) application (50 kg K2O ha−1) on black cumin in 2011 and 2012. The results showed that increased N levels resulted in increasing seed yield and N and K contents in seed, while oil content decreased. The seed yield and oil yield were peaked at the doses of 60 kg N ha−1and 50 kg K ha−1. An increase in N doses caused a reduction in oil content regardless of K supply. Saturated fatty acids and oleic acid were slightly increased by K application, while minor changes in linoleic acid were detected. It was concluded that 60 kg N ha−1with supplemental K application should be advised for enhancement in seed yield, oil yield, and N and K contents in seeds of black cumin without significant changes in fatty acid composition.

Oil Yield and Fatty Acid Composition of Spring Sun flower as Affected by Sowing Date, Intra Row Spacing and Nitrogen Dose

Limited research has been so far done in spring sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for optimising the applied nitrogen dose and plant population under staggered sowing to achieve both higher oil yields and quality. In current study, protein and oil content, oil yield and fatty acid profile was investigated under three sowing dates (January 20, February 10 & March 2), two intra-row spacings (30 & 24 cm) and four nitrogen doses (0, 45, 60 & 75 kg ha−1). The results indicated that delayed sowing caused reduction in oil content and oil yield with concomitant increase in protein content. Increase in oleic acid with concomitant decrease in linoleic acid was also noted as the sowing was delayed. Intra-row spacing did not influence the oil content and fatty acid composition of oil but caused significant improvement in protein content. Each graded nitrogen dose led to improved protein content and oil yield but oil content showed the reverse trend.

Genetic enhancement of palmitic acid accumulation in cotton seed oil through RNAi down-regulation of ghKAS2 encoding β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase II (KASII).

SummaryPalmitic acid (C16:0) already makes up approximately 25% of the total fatty acids in the conventional cotton seed oil. However, further enhancements in palmitic acid content at the expense of the predominant unsaturated fatty acids would provide increased oxidative stability of cotton seed oil and also impart the high melting point required for making margarine, shortening and confectionary products free of trans fatty acids. Seed‐specific RNAi‐mediated down‐regulation of β‐ketoacyl‐ACP synthase II (KASII) catalysing the elongation of palmitoyl‐ACP to stearoyl‐ACP has succeeded in dramatically increasing the C16 fatty acid content of cotton seed oil to well beyond its natural limits, reaching up to 65% of total fatty acids. The elevated C16 levels were comprised of predominantly palmitic acid (C16:0, 51%) and to a lesser extent palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 11%) and hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2, 3%), and were stably inherited. Despite of the dramatic alteration of fatty acid composition and a slight yet significant reduction in oil content in these high‐palmitic (HP) lines, seed germination remained unaffected. Regiochemical analysis of triacylglycerols (TAG) showed that the increased levels of palmitic acid mainly occurred at the outer positions, while C16:1 and C16:2 were predominantly found in the sn‐2 position in both TAG and phosphatidylcholine. Crossing the HP line with previously created high‐oleic (HO) and high‐stearic (HS) genotypes demonstrated that HP and HO traits could be achieved simultaneously; however, elevation of stearic acid was hindered in the presence of high level of palmitic acid.

Sulphur in Soil, Plant and Human Nutrition

Sulphur is now recognized as the fourth major plant nutrient after N, P and K globally. Sulphur in soils comes from the sulphur containing minerals present in parent materials from which the soils are derived and from the plants and animals residues or from the external addition of elemental S or its minerals. Sulphur enters the biological systems from soil through microbial activities involving mineralization of organic matter, immobilization, oxidation and reduction. Plants take up sulphur only as SO 4 = and reduce it to form S containing amino acids and other compounds. Amino acid cysteine is the source of sulphur for most other S-compounds in plants. Sulphur containing vitamin thiamine (Vitamin B1) is also synthesized only in plants and not in humans or other animals. Plants also produce vitamin biotin and a number of S-containing metabolites including glutathione, glucosinolates and alliin/allicin. Sulphur deficiency in wheat can lead to poor baking quality and in oilseeds it can lead to reduced oil content and yield. Sulphur is taken in as sulphur containing amino acids (SAAs) cysteine and methionine by human beings. The recommended dietary allowance for SAAs for humans is 14 mg kg−1 body weight. Lack of sulphur can lead to arthritis, muscle and joint stiffness, spondylitis, etc. Dietary supplements containing (chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate, methylsulfonylmethane etc.) can be beneficial in the treatment of joint diseases.