Thlaspi Arvense Research Articles

One-pot process for simultaneously obtaining oil and sinigrin from field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) seeds using microwave-assisted biphasic extraction

In the present study, microwave-assisted biphasic extraction (MABE) was first and successfully applied to the simultaneous extraction of oil and sinigrin from field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) through a one-pot process. Four potentially influencing factors on the yields of oil and sinigrin, including the ratio of lower phase to solid, ratio of upper phase to solid, microwave irradiation power, and microwave irradiation time, were selected for further optimization by Box–Behnken design, and the optimal extraction conditions were obtained as follows: ratio of lower phase to solid of 21 mL/g, ratio of upper phase to solid of 12 mL/g, microwave irradiation power of 389 W, and microwave irradiation time of 33 min. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the yields of oil (23.46 % ± 0.78 %) and sinigrin (18.42 ± 0.35 mg/g) from T. arvense seeds were maximized. The GC–MS analysis illustrated that the T. arvense seed oil obtained by MABE using n-hexane and water biphasic solvents and Soxhlet extraction using n-hexane solvent exhibited a similar fatty acid composition. The seed oil acquired by the efficient MABE demonstrated a higher quality due to its lower acid value and higher iodine value. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the cell structure of seed tissues was obviously disrupted compared with untreated raw material and that treated by the conventional extraction method. In general, the results indicated that the proposed MABE is an efficient method for the extraction of oil and sinigrin from T. arvense seeds.

Exploring the antiplasmodal efficacy of erucic acid and its derivative isolated from Thlaspi arvense D. C. (Brassicaceae)

Traditional medicinal plants are cardinal sources of new drug molecules for malaria treatment. The present study evaluates the antiplasmodial potential of erucic acid (EA) isolated from ethanolic whole plant extract of Thlaspi arvense (EWETA) and its synthetic methyl ester derivative (EA-OMe) and also confirms the in vivo efficacy of the crude extract. EA and EA-OMe exhibited considerable in vitro activity against chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (IC50 5.80 μg/ml and 6.25 μg/ml) and CQ-resistant (IC50 6.07 µg/ml and 8.58 µg/ml) strains of P. falciparum, respectively. Both compounds were non-toxic to HeLa cells and normal dermal fibroblasts with high selectivity index. However, EA and EA-OMe exhibited moderate suppressive activity in vivo. Further, EWETA illustrated ED50 <50 mg/kg in the suppressive test and prolonged the survival of treated mice in comparison to infected control. It also showed considerable preventive (500 mg/kg) and curative (100 mg/kg) activity with 91.75% and 91.93% chemo-suppression, respectively. Biochemical analysis also highlights the safety of EWETA to the liver and kidney function of the rodent host. It can be concluded that EA and EA-OMe are contributing to the activity of EWETA besides other components, which are being characterized.

Analyzing Mass Spectrometry Imaging Data of 13C-Labeled Phospholipids in Camelina sativa and Thlaspi arvense (Pennycress) Embryos.

The combination of 13C-isotopic labeling and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) offers an approach to analyze metabolic flux in situ. However, combining isotopic labeling and MSI presents technical challenges ranging from sample preparation, label incorporation, data collection, and analysis. Isotopic labeling and MSI individually create large, complex data sets, and this is compounded when both methods are combined. Therefore, analyzing isotopically labeled MSI data requires streamlined procedures to support biologically meaningful interpretations. Using currently available software and techniques, here we describe a workflow to analyze 13C-labeled isotopologues of the membrane lipid and storage oil lipid intermediate―phosphatidylcholine (PC). Our results with embryos of the oilseed crops, Camelina sativa and Thlaspi arvense (pennycress), demonstrated greater 13C-isotopic labeling in the cotyledons of developing embryos compared with the embryonic axis. Greater isotopic enrichment in PC molecular species with more saturated and longer chain fatty acids suggest different flux patterns related to fatty acid desaturation and elongation pathways. The ability to evaluate MSI data of isotopically labeled plant embryos will facilitate the potential to investigate spatial aspects of metabolic flux in situ.

Biodiesel preparation from Thlaspi arvense L. seed oil utilizing a novel ionic liquid core-shell magnetic catalyst

In order to produce an alternative energy of biodiesel using field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) seed oil, a novel Fe3O4/graphene oxide-phenylalanine bisulfate ionic liquid core-shell magnetic catalyst was developed. Ferroferric oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) were employed to prepare a magnetic carrier of Fe3O4@GO nanocomposite which applied to immobilize phenylalanine bisulfate ionic liquid (PBIL). The immobilized PBIL was characterized by the means of characterization. The heterogeneous Fe3O4@GO@PBIL catalyst was demonstrated to have a high catalytic efficiency that reached 92.38 % of biodiesel yield under the optimal conditions (methanol/oil molar ratio of 10:1, reaction temperature of 60 °C, reaction time of 4 h, catalyst dosage of 25 wt%, stirring speed of 1500 r/min). After transesterification processes, the catalyst could be easily removed from the reaction mixture with an external magnet and showed little deactivation after multiple recycles. The main properties of biodiesel product were reconcilable with the range of test standards of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. In summary, the prepared Fe3O4@GO@PBIL catalyst behaved a superiorly catalytic performance, which made the produced biodiesel possess the possibility of application to biofuel as an ideal substitution.

The Environmental Impact of Ecological Intensification in Soybean Cropping Systems in the U.S. Upper Midwest

Introducing cover crops is a form of ecological intensification that can potentially reduce local, regional and global environmental impacts of soybean cropping systems. An assessment of multiple environmental impacts (global warming potential, eutrophication, soil erosion and soil organic carbon variation) was performed on a continuous soybean system in the U.S. upper Midwest. Four sequences were assessed and compared: a soybean cropping system with winter camelina, field pennycress, or winter rye as cover crop, plus a control (sole soybean). Cover crops were interseeded into standing soybean in Year 1, while in Year 2 soybean was relay-cropped into standing camelina or pennycress. Rye was terminated before sowing soybean. When compared with the control, sequences with cover crops showed lower eutrophication potential (4–9% reduction) and soil erosion (5–32% reduction) per ha year−1, in addition to a lower global warming potential (3–8% reduction) when the cover crop was not fertilized. However, when the economic component was included in the assessment, and the results expressed per USD net margin, the sequences with cover crops significantly reduced their performance in all categories of impact considered. A further optimization of field management for camelina and pennycress is recommended to make the cropping system more sustainable.

Environmental trade-offs of relay-cropping winter cover crops with soybean in a maize-soybean cropping system

Winter camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] and field pennycress [Thlaspi arvense L.] are oilseed feedstocks that can be employed as winter-hardy cover crops in the current cropping systems in the U.S. upper Midwest. In addition to provide multiple ecosystem services, they can be a further source of income for the farmer. However, using these cover crops is a new agricultural practice that has only been studied recently. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the environmental performance of a maize [Zea mays L.]-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping system with different winter cover crops - camelina, pennycress, and rye (Secale cereale L.) - in the U.S. upper Midwest. Field experiments were carried out from 2016 to 2017 (2-year maize-soybean sequence) at three locations: Morris (Minnesota), Ames (Iowa), and Prosper (North Dakota). The environmental impact assessment was carried out using a “cradle-to-gate” life cycle assessment methodology. Four impact categories were assessed: global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication, soil erosion, and soil organic carbon (SOC) variation. Two functional units (FU) were selected: (1) 1 ha year−1, and (2) $1 net margin. When expressed with the FU ha yr−1, across the three locations cover crops had (a) lower eutrophication potential and water soil erosion, and (b) lower GWP if the cover crop was not fertilized with nitrogen. Camelina and pennycress were more effective than rye in reducing soil losses, while the three cover crops provided similar results for eutrophication potential. The results for the SOC variation were mixed, but the sequence with rye had the best performance at all locations. When expressed with the FU $ net margin, sequences including camelina and pennycress were overall the worst sequences in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient and soil losses. This negative performance was mainly due to the seed yield reduction in the second year of the sequence for both the main cash crop (soybean) and the relayed-cover crop compared with the conventional sequence maize-soybean. Such result led to a lower net margin per hectare in the sequences including camelina and pennycress when compared with the control. The results of this study suggest that the introduction of camelina and pennycress as winter-hardy cover crops has a strong potential for reducing the environmental impacts of the maize-soybean rotation. However, a field management optimization of these cover crops in a relay-cropping system is needed to make them a sustainable agricultural practice.

Interception of non-indigenous weed seeds in lentil and lentil husk shipments imported from Australia, Canada, U.S.A., and Sri Lanka to India

Four weed species, non-indigenous to India, were intercepted from lentil and lentil husk import shipments. Raphanus raphanistrum L. in lentil shipment from Australia, Polygonum lapathifolium L. and Thlaspi arvense L. in lentils from Canada and U.S.A., and Echinochloa crus-pavonis (Kunth) Schult. in lentil husk imported from Sri Lanka were intercepted. The extent of contamination by the non-indigenous species was 0.1 to 0.2% by number. The infested shipments were salvaged. The non-compliances were notified to the trading partners on each interception as per the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) guidelines. Molecular characterization of intercepted weed seeds is envisaged.

Weather and landscape influences on pollinator visitation of flowering winter oilseeds (field pennycress and winter camelina)

AbstractFlowers of field pennycress (Thlaspi arvsense L.) and winter camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.) produce abundant pollen and nectar in early spring and thereby may be valuable for pollinators. Insects observed in field plots of these flowers were classified into seven easily identifiable groups (bumblebee, honeybee, solitary bee, butterfly/moth, beetle, fly and other) and monitored for 2 years at three sites in the Upper Midwest region of the USA. Average seasonal observations across years and sites varied from 1.6 to 5.3 total insects/min for field pennycress and 1.4 to 4.5 insects/min for winter camelina. Lowest visitation rates occurred in central Iowa and highest rates in south‐eastern Minnesota for both crops. Multiple regressions showed that visitation rates for specific insect groups were correlated poorly but significantly (p &lt; .10) with select variables. For example, in field pennycress, visitation by combined bumblebees and honeybees (Apidae) increased with greater air temperature at sampling time and annual site precipitation, whereas fly (Diptera) visitation was related to sampling date and flower cover. Similarly, in winter camelina, solitary bees were linked to increasing air temperature at sampling time and annual site precipitation, whereas flies were correlated with wind speed and flower cover at sampling. Field pennycress and winter camelina are reliably attractive to beneficial pollinating insects across a wide geographic region, but visitation rates and proportional representation of various insect groups depended on a range of site and weather characteristics.

Surface runoff and nutrient dynamics in cover crop-soybean systems in the Upper Midwest.

Relay-cropping of the novel oilseeds winter camelina (Camelina sativa L.) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) with short-season crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can provide economic and environmental incentives for adopting winter cover crop practices in the U.S. Upper Midwest. However, their ability to reduce nutrient loss in surface runoff is unknown. Accordingly, surface runoff and quality were evaluated during three seasonal phases (cover, intercrop, and soybean) over 2 yr in four cover crop-soybean treatments (pennycress, winter camelina, forage radish [Raphanus sativus L.], and winter rye [Secale cereale L.]) compared with no-till and chisel-till fallow treatments. Runoff was collected with Gerlach troughs and assessed for concentrations and loads of NO3 - -N, total mineral N, soluble reactive P (SRP), and total suspended solids (TSS). Cumulative runoff and nutrient loads were greater during the winter cover phase because of increased snow melt and freeze-thaw released nutrients from living vegetation. In contrast, cumulative TSS was greater during intercrop and soybean phases due to high-intensity rainfall events with an open soybean canopy. Average TSS loads during the intercrop phase were reduced by 75% in pennycress compared with fallow and radish treatments. During the soybean phase, average TSS, total mineral N, and SRP loads were generally elevated in cover crop treatments compared with no-till. Overwintering cover crops may contribute to mobility of nutrients solubilized from living or decomposing vegetation; however, this was balanced by their potential to reduce runoff and TSS during high-intensity spring rains.

Imaging Zn and Ni distributions in leaves of different ages of the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence

Mapping of leaves of hyperaccumulators can provide insights into the mechanisms these species utilize to accumulate high metal concentrations. We used synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) to perform Zn and Ni imaging in leaves of different ages of Noccaea caerulescens. A mature leaf of the related non-hyperaccumulator Thlaspi arvense was also imaged. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, Co, and Cr in N. caerulescens grown on an ultramafic soil were 9-, 10-, 12-, and 3-fold higher than T. arvense. N. caerulescens showed an exceptional ability to accumulate Zn from the soil, posing a bioconcentration factor of 6.7. T. arvense had Zn and Ni distributed uniformly in the leaf blade with doubling fluorescence counts in the tip and margins, suggesting a strategy to excrete metals and avoid toxicity. On the other hand, N. caerulescens displayed distinctly different Zn and Ni accumulation patterns, regardless of the age or metal concentration in the leaves. Zinc was mainly distributed in the cells surrounding the central and secondary veins. Nickel accumulated in the margins and tips of the leaf blade. Given the time required to image large leaves in synchrotron facilities, small leaves can be used to represent the leaf distribution of Zn and Ni in N. caerulescens.

ВИДОВОЙ СОСТАВ СОРНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ В ПОСЕВАХ РАПСА В ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИ УДАЛЕННЫХ ДРУГ ОТ ДРУГА РЕГИОНАХ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЛИПЕЦКОЙ И СВЕРДЛОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТЕЙ

The aim of the study is to identify differences in the species composition of weeds in spring rapeseed crops in two geographically remote regions of the Russian Federation – Lipetsk (Central black earth region) and Sverdlovsk (Ural region). The analysis was carried out using methods of comparative Floristics and distribution of species by classes of constancy of occurrence. Differences between segetal weed flora elements in the agrophytocenoses of canola compare regions, as in floral structure, consisting of the first two "triads" of the floristic spectra and confirmed the low rate coefficient of species similarity. Species differences are represented by species that pollute rapeseed crops only in one of the compared regions. Among the species common to the agrophytocenoses of rapeseed in the two regions are such species as, Chenopodium album L., Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., Silene praténsis (Rafn) Godr., Euphorbia helioscopia L, Fallopia convolvulus (L.) A. Loeve, Viola arvensis Murr. they are characterized by higher rates of occurrence in the Lipetsk region, and Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Cirsium setosum (Willd.) Bess, Erodium cicutarium (L.) L. Her., Thlaspi arvense L. – in the Sverdlovsk region. The dominant species in the Lipetsk region are Raphanus raphanistrum L., Chenopodium album L., Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., Silene praténsis (Rafn) Godr., and in the Sverdlovsk region - Galium vaillantii DC., Stellaria media (L.) Vill., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Thlaspi arvense L., Chenopodium album L., Cirsium setosum (Willd.) Bess. To protect rapeseed crops from weeds in different regions that differ in terms of heat and moisture availability, it is necessary to develop regional protection systems, preceded by mandatory monitoring studies.

Agronomic potential of two European pennycress accessions as a winter crop under European Mediterranean conditions

The growing interest in oilseed crops for sustainable biofuel production has promoted the exploration of new plant species with high oil content and quality. One of these species is pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.; Brassicaceae), a winter annual plant that, due to the characteristics of its seed oil, has a great potential as feedstock for advanced biofuels. However, pennycress is not cultivated in Europe and, in contrast to the USA, the research has been very scarce, especially regarding its agronomic behaviour and production. In this work we performed a comparative analysis of the agronomic potential of two pennycress accessions of European origin (French and NASC), with respect to two from USA (Beecher and Elizabeth), to be cultivated under Mediterranean agroclimatic conditions. Stand establishment, growth, and yield data of the four pennycress accessions were collected during two growing seasons (2016−17 and 2017−18) in experimental fields situated in Aragon (NE Spain). The European accessions had less germination success than those from USA (20−50 % less). However, the seed yield of the French accession was similar or superior to that of USA origin (730–1390 vs 500−1340 ha−1). This was because French plants were able to compensate for the lower plant density with increased production of tillers and inflorescences. The other European short cycle accession, NASC, requires further research to understand and overcome its erratic germination and low seed yield. In terms of seed oil and erucic acid content, higher variability was found between the growing seasons than among the pennycress accessions, suggesting that weather conditions, especially rainfall distribution, have a pronounced effect on seed, oil and erucic acid yield and must be considered for growing pennycress in Europe.

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR CORE SEEDS FROM WEEDS AT VARIOUS METHODS OF TREATING SOIL UNDER CONDITIONS OF FOREST RIVER STEPPE

The article confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of modern herbicides in corn crops for various methods of tillage. According to the research results, a mixed type of weediness is formed in corn crops, among which the largest share is occupied by late spring late spring species, which accounted for 71,8 % of the total number of weeds that appeared during the growing season of the crop. These included: millet of chickens (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Roem.) – 16,1 %, blue bristles (Setaria glauca L.) – 30,4 %, among dicotyledons: small-flowered Galinsoga (Galinsoga rarviflora Cav. ) – 18,4 %, common thyroid (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) – 5,4 %. Early spring was 7,6 %, including white quinoa (Chenopodium album L.) – 7,5 %. Among wintering species, the shepherd's purse ordinary (Capsela bursa pastoris L. Medic) prevailed. – 3,9 %, odorless chamomile (Matricaria perforata Merat.) – 3,2 %, Field yarut (Thlaspi arvense L.) – 2,5 %, field violet (Viola arvensis Murr.) – 2,0 %, with ephemera - medium asterisk (Stellaria media L.) – 5,3 %. Perennial rootstock and weeds of sow thistle pink (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) 0,9%, yellow sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) – 0,1 %, field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) – 0,9 %, of perennial rhizome - creeping wheatgrass (Elytrigia repens L.) – 0.8%. An insignificant proportion of the species composition of weeds was occupied by perennial strzynekoreni and weeds. Also, when conducting research, it was found that the density of corn standing in the phase of full germination on arable land was in the range of 78,3–78,6 pcs./m2. For small disk processing, this indicator decreased to 78,1–78,2 pcs./m2. For the period of maize harvesting, differences in the density of standing of corn during various methods of tillage were also noted. So, on plowing under the conditions of herbicide protection, the density was high and was in the range of 72,9–7,2 thousand units. / Ha, while for small disk – 72,3–72,6 thousand units./ha. Herbicidal protection options ensured the death of weeds by 89–100 % within 30 days after their application. At the time of harvesting the crop, the decrease in the number of weeds compared to the untreated areas amounted to 71–98 %. The most effective was the double application of roundup max 2,4 l/ha in phases 3 and 8 of the leaves in corn. The highest yield of corn grain was obtained due to the double use of the herbicide roundup max at a rate of 2,4 l/ha. In the case of police processing, the collection was 9,4 t/ha, and for small-scale processing, it was 9,2 t/ha. Key words: corn, soil cultivation, weeds, herbicides, efficiency, productivity.

Spatial genetic and epigenetic structure of Thlaspi arvense (field pennycress) in China.

Thlaspi arvense (field pennycress) is widespread in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. We estimated the genetic and epigenetic structure of eight T. arvense populations (131 individuals) in China using amplified fragment length polymorphism and methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism molecular-marker techniques. We detected low diversity at both genetic (mean = 0.03; total = 0.07) and epigenetic (mean = 0.04; total = 0.07) levels, while significant genetic (FST = 0.42, P < 0.001) and epigenetic (FST = 0.32, P < 0.001) divergence was found across the distribution range. Using Mantel testing, we found spatial genetic and epigenetic differentiation, consistent with isolation-by-distance models. We also identified a strong correlation between genetic and epigenetic differentiation (r = 0.7438, P < 0.001), suggesting genetic control of the epigenetic variation. Our results indicate that mating system, natural selection and gene flow events jointly structure spatial patterns of genetic and epigenetic variation. Moreover, epigenetic variation may serve as a basis of natural selection and ecological evolution to enable species to adapt to heterogeneous habitats. Our study provides novel clues for the adaptation of T. arvense.

Soil Nitrogen in Response to Interseeded Cover Crops in Maize–Soybean Production Systems

Improved agronomic management strategies are needed to minimize the impact that current maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) production practices have on soil erosion and nutrient losses, especially nitrogen (N). Interseeded cover crops in standing maize and soybean scavenge excess soil N and thus reduce potential N leaching and runoff. The objectives were to determine the impact that pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) (PC), winter camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) (WC), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) (WR) cover crops have on soil N, and carbon (C) and N accumulation in cover-crop biomass. The cover crops were interseeded in maize at the R5 growth stage and in soybean at R7 in four replicates over two growing seasons at four locations. Soil and aboveground biomass samples were taken in autumn and spring. Data from the maize and soybean systems were analyzed separately. The results showed that cover crops had no effect on soil NH4+-N under both systems. However, winter rye decreased soil NO3−-N up to 76% compared with no-cover-crop treatment in the soybean system. Pennycress and WC scavenged less soil N than WR. Similarly, N and C accumulation in PC and WC biomass were less than in WR, in part because of their poor growth performance under the interseeding practice. Until PC and WC varieties with improved suitability for interseeding are developed, other agronomic practices may need to be explored for improving N scavenging in maize and soybean cropping systems to reduce nutrient leaching and enhance crop diversification.

Increased epigenetic diversity and transient epigenetic memory in response to salinity stress in Thlaspi arvense.

Epigenetic diversity could play an important role in adaptive evolution of organisms, especially for plant species occurring in new and stressful environments. Thlaspi arvense (field pennycress), a valuable oilseed crop, is widespread in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. In this study, we investigated the effect of salinity stress on the epigenetic variation of DNA methylation and epigenetic stress memory in pennycress using methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) markers. We examined how the status of DNA methylation changes across individuals in response to salinity stress and whether such an effect of maternal stress could be transferred to offspring for one or two generations in nonstressed environments. Our results based on 306 epiloci indicated no consistent change of DNA methylation status in specific epiloci across individuals within the same conditions. In contrast, we found that the epigenetic diversity at population level increased significantly in response to the stimulation of salinity stress; and this “stimulation effect” could be transferred partially in the form of stress memory to at least two generations of offspring in nonstressed environments. In addition, we observed a parallel change in functionally important traits, that is, phenotypic variation was significantly higher in plants grown under salinity stress compared with those of control groups. Taken together, our results provide novel clues for the increased spontaneous epimutation rate in response to stress in plants, of potential adaptive significance.

Combined genotype and fatty-acid analysis of single small field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) seeds increases the throughput for functional genomics and mutant line selection

The validation of an association between a genotype and a seed metabolic trait can be a time-consuming process. Strategies to speed this process are needed in this age of rapid and high throughput genomics. In this study, we have developed a protocol to associate the fatty-acid composition of a single pennycress seed as a phenotypic trait to a genotype. We use an approach that allows for parallel assessment of genotypes and fatty acid composition on a small single seed of field pennycress. We were able to show that fatty acid values predicted from a single seed are similar to the values of pooled seeds for linoleic acid (17.32% vs 18.10%), linolenic acid (11.10% vs 11.86%) and erucic acid (38.43% vs 38.74%) with the exception of oleic acid (10.79% vs 12.44%) and eicosenoic acid (8.56% vs 10.64%) based on the pair-wise Tukey’s test at a p-value of 0.05. We were also able to show that DNA can be extracted from the single defatted seeds and the DNA can be used for SNP genotyping. This approach was tested on two independent F2 segregating populations to demonstrate linkage between fatty acid composition and the respective genotypes. The F2 populations for this study were derived from crosses among the mutants of Fatty Acid Elongation 1 (Ta FAE1), Reduced Oleate Desaturase 1 (Ta ROD1) and Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 (Ta FAD2). We assessed fatty acid composition of single F2 seeds from each of the genotype classes in the segregating populations identified using allele-specific markers. We found that mutations in Ta FAE1 and Ta FAD2 had semi-dominant effect, and that the mutation in Ta ROD1 was recessive. Within each population, doubly homozygous single seeds for Ta fae1-1 and Ta rod1-1 or Ta fae1-1 and Ta fad2-2 created the most extreme fatty acid alteration compared to wild type. F2 single seeds genotyped as double mutants of Ta fae1-1/ Ta rod1-1 from the first population averaged 56.42% oleic acid compared to under 15% for wild type along with little to no detectable erucic acid compared to over 35% in wild type. F2 single seeds genotyped as double mutants of Ta fae1-1/Ta fad2-2 from the second population averaged 85.87% oleic acid with significant reduction in linoleic, linolenic, eicosenoic and erucic acid. Fatty acid compositions of these double mutants were further confirmed using a pool of seeds. This study demonstrates the rapid assessment of metabolites and genotypes, thus helping us characterize fatty acid genes in pennycress. Application of such methods to a species with small seeds like pennycress will increase the efficacy of functional genomics and can be applied towards other metabolite traits.

Functional analysis of β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase from biofuel feedstock Thlaspi arvense reveals differences in the triacylglycerol biosynthetic pathway among Brassicaceae.

Differences in FAE1 enzyme affinity for the acyl-CoA substrates, as well as the balance between the different pathways involved in their incorporation to triacylglycerol might be determinant of the different composition of the seed oil in Brassicaceae. Brassicaceae present a great heterogeneity of seed oil and fatty acid composition, accumulating Very Long Chain Fatty Acids with industrial applications. However, the molecular determinants of these differences remain elusive. We have studied the β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase from the high erucic feedstock Thlaspi arvense (Pennycress). Functional characterization of the Pennycress FAE1 enzyme was performed in two Arabidopsis backgrounds; Col-0, with less than 2.5% of erucic acid in its seed oil and the fae1-1 mutant, deficient in FAE1 activity, that did not accumulate erucic acid. Seed-specific expression of the Pennycress FAE1 gene in Col-0 resulted in a 3 to fourfold increase of erucic acid content in the seed oil. This increase was concomitant with a decrease of eicosenoic acid levels without changes in oleic ones. Interestingly, only small changes in eicosenoic and erucic acid levels occurred when the Pennycress FAE1 gene was expressed in the fae1-1 mutant, with high levels of oleic acid available for elongation, suggesting that the Pennycress FAE1 enzyme showed higher affinity for eicosenoic acid substrates, than for oleic ones in Arabidopsis. Erucic acid was incorporated to triacylglycerol in the transgenic lines without significant changes in their levels in the diacylglycerol fraction, suggesting that erucic acid was preferentially incorporated to triacylglycerol via DGAT1. Expression analysis of FAE1, AtDGAT1, AtLPCAT1 and AtPDAT1 genes in the transgenic lines further supported this conclusion. Differences in FAE1 affinity for the oleic and eicosenoic substrates among Brassicaceae, as well as their incorporation to triacylglycerol might explain the differences in composition of their seed oil.

Yield tradeoffs and weed suppression in a winter annual oilseed relay‐cropping system

AbstractMidwest crop production is dominated by two summer annual crops grown in rotation, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). This rotation leaves a productivity gap during the spring and autumn. Winter oilseed crops, such as pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), and winter camelina (Camelina sativa [L.] Crantz), can fill this gap and provide ecosystem and economic benefits. The objectives of this study were to: (i) examine the tradeoffs between soybean and winter oilseed yields in the relay‐cropping system, (ii) determine legacy effects on corn 1 yr after oilseed–soybean relay‐cropping, and (iii) evaluate the weed suppression abilities of the winter oilseeds. Three sites were used across Minnesota to evaluate winter oilseeds and commodity crop yields in a relay‐cropping production system. Total seed production of the system (winter oilseed crop + soybean) was increased by 20% at one site, whereas at the other two sites, total yields were similar when compared to mono‐cropped soybean. Soybean yield was reduced at two of the three sites by 20 and 47% by the inclusion of winter oilseeds. Soybean yield was unaffected by inclusion of winter oilseeds at the third site. In the subsequent year, corn yield was unaffected by the winter oilseed treatments. Weeds were suppressed by the winter oilseeds crops. Pennycress reduced weed biomass by 97% to 100%, and camelina treatment reduced weed biomass by 85% to 87%. The inclusion of winter oilseeds in the corn–soybean cropping system can increase overall seed production and suppress early season weeds.

Germination Patterns in Seeds Produced in Apical and Basal Fruits of Two Thlaspi arvense Populations

The aim of the present work is to study possible differences in the germination behavior of apical and basal seeds (produced in the upper and lower fruits of the infruitescence), of two populations of field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), both produced in a Mediterranean and a continental temperate climate. The results showed that among the three studied factors (population, seed type, production site), only the production site was relevant for the total germination, germinating those produced in Morris in a greater amount than those produced in Lleida. Germination models could be applied only to seeds produced at Morris (&gt;10% germination), and despite the lack of differences in the total germination percentage, germination rates (speed—b parameter—and time to 50% germination—G50) differed between population and seed types—apical seeds from the Spanish population germinated faster (lower b parameter) than the rest, while apical seeds of both populations germinated faster than the corresponding basal seeds (lower G50). The results show, on the one hand, the importance of the seed production site if this species was considered as a commercial oilseed crop and, on the other hand, differences that will help seed selection for seed germination and establishment improvement of pennycress.