Seed Oil Content Research Articles

Изменение основных хозяйственно ценных признаков сорта подсолнечника СПК плюс в процессе улучшающего семеноводства

The research was conducted in 2020– 2022 in the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, Krasnodar. The purpose of the research was to establish regularities of the displaying of the main economically valuable traits in a confectionary variety SPK plus at the selection of promising families by results of their studying in a nursery of progeny estimation. As initial material, we used progenies of individual plants of seed growing elite of the variety SPK plus selected by seed weight per a head, oil content, and 1000 seed weight. During a vegetative period, phenological observatins and biometric measurements were done due to the method generally accepted (Pustovoit V.S., 1967). Oil content in seeds was determined on a NMR-analyzer AVM1006 due to the state standard R8.597-2010, 1000 seed weight – due to the state standard 12042- 80. To state a variability range of a trait we accounted 4 its average, minimal, and maximal meanings. Transforming of a population structure under impact of selection was established distributing the individual families into groups of a trait degree. Intensity of discard was revealed by a ratio of rejected families amount and total amount in the initial population. Increasing of families with enlarged 1000 seed weight was determined using an asymmetry coefficient. During the years of research, an average meaning of 1000 seed weight in a progenies of the selected plants was equal to 126.2 g, in a control – 119.5 g. a share of biotypes having 1000 seed weight more than 150 g of the promising families was 3.5%, and in a control – 1.6%. For three years of the research, the variety SPK plus was significantly improved by a trait of 1000 seed weight competing to the control – a progeny of breeder seeds. The estimation and selection of individual plants in a population caused accumulation of highly productive biotypes that led to the yield increase by 0.5 t/ha comparing to the control. A duration of a period seedlings – flowering, plant height, and oil content did not changed, keeping the level specific for this variety.

Применение удобрений на клещевине (результаты исследований во ВНИИМК) (обзор)

The researches conducted in the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops showed that castor plant yield increased by 0.08–0.20 t/hа after fertilizers application on leached chernozem. The more effective dose of a primary fertilizer under castor is N40P60, which applied in autumn separately under the plowing. Higher doses of the fertilizers are less effective. Application of potassium fertilizers jointly with nitrogen-phosphorus ones in both typical (K40–45) and increased (K80–120) doses did not caused the yield increase of castor plant. Under application of the different doses of the nitrogen-phosphorous or full mineral fertilizers, oil content in castor seeds did not change significantly comparing with unfertilized control, and oil yield was determined by seed yield and increased by 0.06–0.09 t/hа. The local application of N20P30 during castor plant sowing proved the same level of yield comparing with the dose N40P60 – 1.73–1.74 t/hа. The local application of fertilizers during sowing is the most effective when placing the fertilizers strips in a distance of 2 cm sideways of the seeds. Against the backfilling into the soil of 6.2–6.6 t/hа of winter wheat residues, the application of mineral fertilizers under castor plant caused the increase of seed yield by 0.21–0.29 t/hа, oil yield – by 0.11–0.14 t/hа. The dependence of castor plant yield on nitrate nitrogen, mobile forms of phosphorous, and exchangeable potassium contents the in leached chernozem in spring was revealed. It is determined the castor plant does not react positively on the addi-tional fertilizer application when contents of mobile forms of phosphates and exchangeable potassium in a soil layer of 0–20 cm are equal to 26–28 mg/100 g (in the hood by Chirikov F.V.) and 31–32 mg/100 g (in the hood by Maslova А.L.), respectively, and content of nitrate nitrogen in a soil layer of 0–60 cm is more 17–18 mg/kg (by Grandval-Lyazhu).

Crop productivity and quality of brown mustard seeds under the influence of pre-sowing fertilization and foliar feeding in the conditions of the North-Eastern Steppe of Ukraine

The article presents the research results of the complex impact of the pre-sowing fertilizers and foliar fertilization on the yield and quality of gray mustard seeds in the conditions of the North-Eastern Steppe of Ukraine. The purpose of the research was to identify the options for pre-sowing application of complex fertilizers and foliar feeding, which ensure the formation of the highest seed yield and the largest collection of gray mustard oil the «Felicia» variety. The research was conducted in 2020, 2021 and 2023 on the basis of farm «Kyrychenko M» of Boriv district, Kharkiv region. A two-factor field experiment was set up using the split-plot method in four replications. The first-order plots were five variants of pre-sowing fertilization, the second order ones – five variants of foliar fertilizing with various combinations of watersoluble fertilizers. The area of the sown plot was 90 m2, the accounting plot was 70 m2 . The highest seed yield (2.27–2.33 t/ha) and oil collection (0.915–0.939 t/ha) were noted on the variants of the combination of pre-sowing application of N45P30K30 and N45P45K45 with two foliar top dressings during 21–23 and 50-53 microphases with a solution urea (10 kg/ha) and complex water-soluble fertilizer «Quantum technical» (2.0 l/ha). The oil content in the seeds did not undergo significant changes. There was only a tendency to increase the oil content in the seeds under the condition of foliar fertilizing and the dose reducing of pre-sowing fertilizers. In particular, the oil content in mustard seeds increased by 0.3–0.4 % in the variants of two foliar feedings compared to the control, and in the variants of pre-sowing application of N45P45K45 it deceased by 0.7 % compared to the control. Weather conditions led to significant changes in seed yield and oil yield per hectare, but the general tendency of influence of the studied factors remained. Based on this, increasing the dose of pre-sowing application from N45P30K30 to N45P45K45, as well as adding to the working solutions for foliar fertilization of the monoelement fertilizer «Quantum-BOR Active» is not advisable. Key words: brown mustard, nutrition system, crop productivity, oil content, foliar feedings, water-soluble fertilizers.

Sunflower hybrids productivity depending on the rates of mineral fertilizers in the south of Ukraine

Abstract Areas of sunflower cultivation in Ukraine, Europe, and the world have significantly increased over the past decade, along with an increase in crop yield, largely due to the development of new varieties and hybrids resistant to various abiotic stresses and extreme environmental conditions. The mineral nutrition background is also an important element of sunflower cultivation technology. The influence of mineral fertilizer rates on the productivity of new early-maturing and medium-early sunflower hybrids was the focus of research conducted during 2020–2021 on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine. The results of the study showed that optimization of the mineral nutrition background contributed to increased plant height and leaf area. Both indicators were maximized for the cultivation of Alambra KS and Blyutuz hybrids with the application of fertilizers at the rate of N90P60. These experimental variants also ensured the formation of the maximum level of seed yield (3.05 t/ha for Alambra KS hybrid; 3.39 t/ha for Blyutuz hybrid) and the highest indicators of profitability per 1 kg of active substance of fertilizers (0.35 tons for Alambra KS hybrid; 0.45 tons for Blyutuz hybrid). The mineral nutrition background had little effect on the oil content in sunflower seeds. With an increase in the nitrogen fertilizer rate on the phosphorus background, the oil content in the seeds slightly decreased. However, the experimental variants differed in terms of conditional oil output per hectare of sunflower cultivation. Among early-maturing hybrids, the Alambra KS hybrid showed a higher value for this indicator, while among medium-early hybrids, it was the Blyutuz hybrid. The most effective rate of mineral fertilizers in terms of oil output was determined to be N90P60. Based on the results of the study on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine, it is recommended to cultivate the Alambra KS hybrid among early-maturing sunflower hybrids and the Blyutuz hybrid among medium-early hybrids, with the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N90P60.

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica l.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica l.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

A Novel Soybean Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase 1b Variant with Three Amino Acid Substitutions Increases Seed Oil Content.

Improving soybean (Glycine max) seed composition by increasing the protein and oil components will add significant value to the crop and enhance environmental sustainability. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the final rate-limiting step in triacylglycerol biosynthesis and has a major impact on seed oil accumulation. We previously identified a soybean DGAT1b variant modified with 14 amino acid substitutions (GmDGAT1b-MOD) that increases total oil content by 3 percentage points when overexpressed in soybean seeds. In the present study, additional GmDGAT1b variants were generated to further increase oil with a reduced number of substitutions. Variants with one to four amino acid substitutions were screened in the model systems Saccharomyces cerevisiae and transient Nicotiana benthamiana leaf. Promising GmDGAT1b variants resulting in high oil accumulation in the model systems were selected for overexpression in soybeans. One GmDGAT1b variant with three novel amino acid substitutions (GmDGAT1b-3aa) increased total soybean oil to levels near the previously discovered GmDGAT1b-MOD variant. In a multiple location field trial, GmDGAT1b-3aa transgenic events had significantly increased oil and protein by up to 2.3 and 0.6 percentage points, respectively. The modeling of the GmDGAT1b-3aa protein structure provided insights into the potential function of the three substitutions. These findings will guide efforts to improve soybean oil content and overall seed composition by CRISPR editing.

The addition of resistant starch and protein to the batter reduces oil uptake and improves the quality of the fried batter-coated nuts

The batter compositions can affect the oil uptake and texture of fried batter-coated nuts. In this study, the oil uptake and quality of fried batter-coated peanuts and sunflower seeds added with resistant starch and protein were investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of resistant starch increased the batter hardness and fracturability of the fried batter-coated peanuts by 34.36 % and 33.73 %, respectively. The oil content of fried batter-coated peanuts and sunflower seeds were decreased by 17.98 % and 15.69 %, respectively, with the addition of protein. The microstructure and roughness of the batter revealed that the batter added with protein became denser and uniform. Furthermore, the protein in the batter added with 6 % soy protein isolate had a high surface hydrophobicity. In summary, the addition of resistant starch and protein in batter will be a promising strategy for reducing the oil content and improving the quality of fried batter-coated nuts.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Reduction in Seed Oil Content through Increased Nitrogen Application Rate in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Nitrogen is essential for improving the seed oil yield of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). However, the molecular mechanism by which increased nitrogen rates impact seed oil content is largely unknown. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to determine how three nitrogen application rates (120, 240, and 360 kg ha-1) regulated seed oil content via transcriptomic analysis. The results showed that the seed yield and the protein and total N contents increased from N1 to N3, with average increases of 57.2%, 16.9%, and 79.5%, respectively. However, the seed oil content significantly decreased from N1 to N3, with an average decrease of 8.6%. These results were repeated over a number of years. The quantity of oil protein bodies observed under a transmission electron microscope was in accordance with the ultimate seed oil and protein contents. As the nitrogen application rate increased, a substantial number of genes involved in the photosynthesis, glycolysis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways were up-regulated, as were TF families, such as AP2/ERF, MYB, and NAC. The newly identified genes were mainly involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Metabolic flux analysis showed that most of the genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis had higher transcript levels in the early development stages. Our results provide new insights into the molecular regulation of rapeseed seed oil content through increased nitrogen application rates.

Irrigation increases on-farm soybean yields in water-limited environments without a trade-off in seed protein concentration

Context or problemA trade-off between seed protein concentration (SPC) and yield has been reported for soybean. Therefore, assessing management practices that can nullify this trade-off is relevant to avoid further declines in SPC in the future as yield continues to increase. While the positive effect of irrigation on yield is well documented, only a few studies have assessed the impact of irrigation on SPC, showing conflicting results. Objective or research questionThe objective was to determine if the trade-off between seed yield and SPC persists when irrigation is applied and how management, soil, and weather factors influence the trade-off. We hypothesized that yield increases induced by irrigation would likely decrease SPC. MethodsOur experimental approach involved the use of producer-reported data, in-situ seed collection, and crop modeling. Yield and management data were collected from 268 soybean fields in Nebraska (USA), along with data on SPC, seed oil concentration (SOC), and seed carbohydrate concentration (SCC) determined from samples collected in each field. Field-specific phenological data were derived from model simulations. The combined data were then used to assess the effect of irrigation on seed yield and constituents as influenced by management, soil, and weather factors. ResultsOn average, both seed yield (+0.86 Mg ha−1) and SPC (+3.2 g kg−1) were higher, but SOC (–2.0 g kg−1) was lower, and SCC was unaffected in irrigated versus rainfed field pairs. Yield and SPC increased simultaneously in response to irrigation in two-thirds of the fields, especially when environmental conditions did not favor seed oil synthesis (e.g., cooler temperature and less incident solar radiation). A trade-off of higher seed yield and lower SPC occurred with irrigation in the remaining fields wherein conditions were favorable for seed oil synthesis (e.g., warmer temperatures and greater radiation). ConclusionsDespite higher seed yield generated in irrigated versus rainfed fields, no concurrent reduction occurred in SPC in the majority of irrigated fields – a surprising finding that was not consistent with the general expectation that higher soybean yields typically result in yield-SPC trade-off. Implications or significanceThis study showed that irrigation-induced higher soybean yields are possible without an attendant SPC penalty when temperatures and radiation are conducive for its mitigation. We are unaware of any other yield-increasing practices – except nitrogen (N) fertilization - that do not result in a concomitant decline in SPC. A hypothesized higher N supply via soil N mineralization and/or biological N fixation in irrigated fields in this study may explain the absence of yield-protein trade-off.

Black seed oil impact on authentic kefir microbiota

Introduction: Authentic kefir originates from the Caucasus mountains of Eastern Europe and is a fermented milk product made from kefir grains. Authentic kefir contains lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeasts which provides kefir with numerous health benefits such as anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-allergic properties. Nigella sativa is a plant known by many regional names such as black cumin and black carraway. Seeds from the plant are processed to produce black seed oil. Black seed oil has many potential health benefits such as antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. In countries including Turkey and India, black seed oil is commonly added to kefir or yogurt. The purpose of this study was to determine if different concentrations of black seed oil would negatively impact beneficial kefir microorganisms when consumers mix black seed oil into kefir. Results: Black seed oil concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, 1% and 5% were added to milk with kefir grains and incubated. Each mixture was tested for pH, Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., yeast, and coliform microbial counts. Results indicated that the pH and microbial counts of the control (0%) and 0.1% black seed oil samples were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The pH and microbial count results of 1% black seed oil in kefir indicated slight although not significant inhibition (P > 0.05) as compared to the control and 0.1% black seed oil. The pH and microbial counts of 5% black seed oil were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the other samples indicating inhibition of the kefir microorganisms.Conclusion:Black seed oil inhibited kefir microorganism when added at the rate of 5%.Keywords: Kefir, Black Seed Oil, Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., Yeast, Probiotic

Targeted mutagenesis of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes reveals functional divergence in seed coat colour, oil content and fatty acid composition in Brassica napus L.

Yellow-seed is widely accepted as a good-quality trait in Brassica crops. Previous studies have shown that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is essential for the development of seed colour, but its function in Brassica napus, an important oil crop, is poorly understood. To systematically explore the gene functions of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in rapeseed, several representative TRANSPARENT TESTA (TT) genes, including three structural genes (BnaTT7, BnaTT18, BnaTT10), two regulatory genes (BnaTT1, BnaTT2) and a transporter (BnaTT12), were selected for targeted mutation by CRISPR/Cas9 in the present study. Seed coat colour, lignin content, seed quality and yield-related traits were investigated in these Bnatt mutants together with Bnatt8 generated previously. These Bnatt mutants produced seeds with an elevated seed oil content and decreased pigment and lignin accumulation in the seed coat without any serious defects in the yield-related traits. In addition, the fatty acid (FA) composition was also altered to different degrees, i.e., decreased oleic acid and increased linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, in all Bnatt mutants except Bnatt18. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that most of BnaTT mutations resulted in the down-regulation of key genes related to flavonoid and lignin synthesis, and the up-regulation of key genes related to lipid synthesis and oil body formation, which may contribute to the phenotype. Collectively, our study generated valuable resources for breeding programs, and more importantly demonstrated the functional divergence and overlap of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in seed coat colour, oil content and FA composition of rapeseed.

The Impact of Photosynthetic Characteristics and Metabolomics on the Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Tea Seeds.

The synthesis of tea fatty acids plays a crucial role in determining the oil content of tea seeds and selecting tea tree varieties suitable for harvesting both leaves and fruits. However, there is limited research on fatty acid synthesis in tea trees, and the precise mechanisms influencing tea seed oil content remain elusive. To reveal the fatty acid biosynthesis mechanism, we conducted a photosynthetic characteristic and targeted metabolomics analysis in comparison between Jincha 2 and Wuniuzao cultivars. Our findings revealed that Jincha 2 exhibited significantly higher net photosynthetic rates (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) compared with Wuniuzao, indicating the superior photosynthetic capabilities of Jincha 2. Totally, we identified 94 metabolites with significant changes, including key hormone regulators such as gibberellin A1 (GA1) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA). Additionally, linolenic acid, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and methylthiobutyric acid, precursors required for fatty acid synthesis, were significantly more abundant in Jincha 2 compared with Wuniuzao. In summary, our research suggests that photosynthetic rates and metabolites contribute to the increased yield, fatty acid synthesis, and oil content observed in Jincha 2 when compared with Wuniuzao.

Application of Modified Atmospheres to Control Stegobium paniceum and Lasioderma serricorne Infestation of Stored Chamomile and Coriander and Its Effect On Product Quality

AbstractMedicinal and spices plants are crucial, and they can become infested by several insects, such as drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum l.) and the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), during storage. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of enriched modified atmospheres (MAs), with CO2 or N2, on L. serricorne and S. paniceum adults and larvae and their effect on quality of chamomile flowers and coriander seeds during storage. Various carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas concentrations were tested, including 40% CO2, 50% CO2, 60% CO2, 97% N2, and 98% N2. The larval mortality for S. paniceum reached 100% after 6 days of 60% CO2 and 8 days for the L. serricorne. At 98% N2 treatment, the complete mortality (100%) of S. paniceum and L. serricorne adults was recorded following 3 and 9 day exposures and of larvae following 10 day exposure.The quality parameters (weight loss percentage, germination, essential oil percentage, and color) of chamomile flower and coriander seeds treated with 60% CO2 and control were studied after 3 and 6 months of storage. The MAs had the lowest weight loss percentage, the highest lightness value, the lowest color changes, and the highest essential oil content of chamomile flower and coriander seeds compared with the control treatment. Additionally, the MAs induced a higher germination percentage of coriander seeds compared with the control. Treatment with CO2 increased some essential oils compounds, compared with control after 6 months of storage of chamomile. All compounds were decreased in coriander seeds treated with CO2, except for carvone and anethole, which were increased. In conclusion, our study recommends using MAs to control S. paniceum and L. serricorne during storage and maintain the quality of chamomile flower and coriander seed.

Catalytic upgrading of bio-oil from halophyte seeds into transportation fuels

Because of socioeconomic considerations, wide-scale production of biofuel necessitates the utilization of nonedible biomass feedstock that does not compete for land and fresh water resources. In this regard, Salicornia bigelovii (SB) is the most investigated halophyte species. The high oil content in SB seeds has sparked mounting research that aims to utilize SB as an industrial crop in the production of bio-oil, particularly in coastal areas where these plants thrive. However, the oil extracted from the pyrolysis of raw SB seeds is largely dominated by oxygenated fatty acids, most notably 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and 9,17-octadecadienal, typical to that of other crops. The pyrolysate bio-oil of the raw SB seeds exhibited a relative yield of oxygenated compounds that decreased from 57.05 % at 200 °C to 9.81 % at 500 °C, and the relative yield of nitrogenated compounds increased from 4.86 % at 200 °C to 21.97 % at 500 °C. To improve the quality of the produced bio-oil, herein we investigated the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of the fragments that were produced from the thermal degradation of SB seeds. A 5 %Ni–CeO2 catalyst was prepared and characterized by a wide array of methods X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction, scanning electron microscope, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The catalytic run was executed between 200 and 500 °C in a flow reactor. The deployed catalytic methodology displayed a profound HDO capacity. At 400 °C, for instance, the gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) detected loads of paraffin and aromatic compounds exists at appreciable values of 48.0 % and 28.5 %, respectively. With a total relative yield of 43.2 % (at 400 °C), C8–C15 species (i.e., jet fuel fractions) were the most abundant species in the upgraded SB bio-oil. The release of H2, CO, CO2, and CH4 was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using gas chromatography thermal conductivity detector and Fourier infrared spectroscopic analysis. When the Ni–CeO2 catalyst was utilized, a complete deoxygenated bio-oil was obtained from SB seeds using the surface-assisted HDO reaction. On the basis of the elemental analysis, the biochar's hydrogen and oxygen contents were found to decrease significantly. Density functional theory computations showed mechanisms for reactions that underpinned the experimentally observed hydrodeoxygenation process. Outcomes presented herein shall be instrumental toward the effective utilization of halophyte in the production of commercial transportation fuels.

SoyMD: a platform combining multi-omics data with various tools for soybean research and breeding.

Advanced multi-omics technologies offer much information that can uncover the regulatory mechanisms from genotype to phenotype. In soybean, numerous multi-omics databases have been published. Although they cover multiple omics, there are still limitations when it comes to the types and scales of omics datasets and analysis methods utilized. This study aims to address these limitations by collecting and integrating a comprehensive set of multi-omics datasets. This includes 38 genomes, transcriptomes from 435 tissue samples, 125 phenotypes from 6686 accessions, epigenome data involving histone modification, transcription factor binding, chromosomal accessibilityand chromosomal interaction, as well as genetic variation data from 24501 soybean accessions. Then, common analysis pipelines and statistical methods were applied to mine information from these multi-omics datasets, resulting in the successful establishment of a user-friendly multi-omics database called SoyMD (https://yanglab.hzau.edu.cn/SoyMD/#/). SoyMD provides researchers with efficient query options and analysis tools, allowing them to swiftly access relevant omics information and conduct comprehensive multi-omics data analyses. Another notable feature of SoyMD is its capability to facilitate the analysis of candidate genes, as demonstrated in the case study on seed oil content. This highlights the immense potential of SoyMD in soybean genetic breeding and functional genomics research.

Seed and oil quality characteristics in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Eighteen castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes (hybrids/varieties/parental lines) were studied for seed, oil quality as well as fatty acid profile. The maximum 100 seed wt (37.7 g) was observed in 48-1 genotype and the oil content (50.7%) was recorded in SKP-84 pistillate line. Hundred seed weight showed a positive correlation with kernel % (r=0.472*) and seed oil content has positive correlation with kernel oil content (r=0.664**). Industrially important oil qualities like specific gravity, colour, viscosity were also measured. The free fatty acid as oleic acid varied between 1.93 to 7.03%. Among the fatty acids, the ricinoleic acid content was ranging from 84.3 to 87.8% and the maximum was recorded in GCH-4 hybrid.

Variability for seed germination and seedling vigour in aging groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds after storage under ambient conditions

Seed germination and seedling vigour in aging seeds of 32 groundnut genotypes was studied under ambient storage conditions to assess the extent of variability for these traits under storage. The association, if any of these traits with seed soil content and seed mass was also examined. Both,seed germination and seedling vigour declined with aging of the groundnut seeds in all test genotypes. However, the rate of decrease varied among the genotypes suggesting significant genotypic difference and possibility of their improvement through breeding. Aging also has strong negative effect on both, root and shoot growth of the seedlings, but profound effect was observed on root growth. Seed germination and seedling vigour are not associated with seed oil content, but seedling vigour is positively correlated with seed mass. The results indicate the possibility of developing new groundnut genotypes that retained good levels of seed germination and seedling vigour even in storage for 12 months under ambientconditions. Further, it is also possible to combine enhanced high seed oil content with high seed germination and seedling vigour. As seed germination and seedling vigour are associated with pod yield, it may be desirable to evaluate the advanced breeding lines for these traits besides other yield and yield parameters.

Overexpression of GhSWEET42, a SWEET-like gene from cotton, enhances the oil content and seed size

SWEET (‘sugars will eventually be exported transporters’) family genes reportedly play a critical role in sugar translocation and oil biosynthesis in various plant species. However, their functions in cotton are unknown. The present study demonstrated that while GhSWEET42 was widely expressed in different cotton tissues, it had the highest expression level in the developing ovules. Hence, it performs a vital role in seed development. We constructed GhSWEET42 transgenic Arabidopsis lines to verify the biological function of this gene and found that the oil content and weight of the seeds produced by the overexpression lines were 18–23% and 19–20% higher, respectively than those of the wild-type. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that it was mainly a relative increase in unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) that contributed to the relative increase in oil content in the transgenic seeds. Moreover, the latter exhibited comparative upregulation of certain genes associated with FA and triacylglycerol biosynthesis as well as cell expansion. GhSWEET42 might work synergistically with the aforementioned genes. This finding indicates that GhSWEET42 may be essential in oil biosynthesis and seed development in cotton. The results of the present work may facilitate further explorations into the molecular mechanism of cottonseed oil biosynthesis as well as the cultivation of novel oil-rich cotton varieties.

Unveiling the phytochemical variability of fatty acids in world marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) germplasm affected by genotype

Marigold is an annual herbaceous medicinal and aromatic plant, native to the Mediterranean region. Although marigold flowers have attracted considerable attention, the noteworthy characteristics of marigold seeds have often been overlooked. The industrial sector holds keen interest in marigold due to the presence of calendic acid in its seeds. Moreover, calendic acid exhibits promising anti-cancer properties, adding to the growing interest in the medicinal potential of this plant. In this study, a total of 31 marigold genotype seeds from fifteen different countries were used as experimental material. The observed seed oil content exhibited a range of values spanning from 6.00% to 20.33%, with a mean value of 11.59%. GC/MS analysis was conducted to evaluate the chemical variability associated with genotypic changes. Notably, the main fatty acids observed in the oil of these genotypes were α-calendic acid (ranging from 6.91% to 51.42%), linoleic acid (ranging from 30.50% to 48.25%), oleic acid (ranging from 8.26% to 22.50%), and palmitic acid (ranging from 3.86% to 9.28%). Particularly noteworthy is the emergence of genotypes PI 420376, PI 545694, PI 545701, PI 578109, PI 597588, PI 597591, and PI 597594, boasting calendic acid content exceeding 50%. Furthermore, the values of calendic acid exhibit significant variation across countries. The range extends from the United Kingdom, displaying one of the lower values, to Ontario, Canada, which represents countries with notably higher values. Consequently, there exists a necessity to enhance the proportion of calendic acid within marigold through strategic plant breeding techniques. This can be achieved through the selection and development of marigold cultivars with higher calendic acid contents.

Interaction between phenylpropane metabolism and oil accumulation in the developing seed of Brassica napus revealed by high temporal-resolution transcriptomes

BackgroundBrassica napus is an important oilseed crop providing high-quality vegetable oils for human consumption and non-food applications. However, the regulation between embryo and seed coat for the synthesis of oil and phenylpropanoid compounds remains largely unclear.ResultsHere, we analyzed the transcriptomes in developing seeds at 2-day intervals from 14 days after flowering (DAF) to 64 DAF. The 26 high-resolution time-course transcriptomes are clearly clustered into five distinct groups from stage I to stage V. A total of 2217 genes including 136 transcription factors, are specifically expressed in the seed and show high temporal specificity by being expressed only at certain stages of seed development. Furthermore, we analyzed the co-expression networks during seed development, which mainly included master regulatory transcription factors, lipid, and phenylpropane metabolism genes. The results show that the phenylpropane pathway is prominent during seed development, and the key enzymes in the phenylpropane metabolic pathway, including TT5, BAN, and the transporter TT19, were directly or indirectly related to many key enzymes and transcription factors involved in oil accumulation. We identified candidate genes that may regulate seed oil content based on the co-expression network analysis combined with correlation analysis of the gene expression with seed oil content and seed coat content.ConclusionsOverall, these results reveal the transcriptional regulation between lipid and phenylpropane accumulation during B. napus seed development. The established co-expression networks and predicted key factors provide important resources for future studies to reveal the genetic control of oil accumulation in B. napus seeds.