Search Results (1,037)

Rapeseed meal (RSM) represents one of the most abundant yet underutilized alternative plant protein sources, offering a compelling nutritional profile and diverse bioactive compounds with direct relevance to human nutrition and health. Its major storage proteins, including 12S globulin cruciferin and 2S albumin napin, along with phenolic compounds, have been associated with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and potential antimicrobial activities. Beyond these health-promoting properties, RSM-derived storage proteins are emerging building blocks for nanocarriers, with potential applications in drug delivery systems. Recent studies have advanced extraction, purification, and modification strategies for RSM bioactive compounds. However, relatively little attention has been given to how specific molecular interactions between phenolics and proteins modulate functional properties and bioactivity. This review, therefore, provides an updated analysis of the bioactive profile of RSM bioactive compounds, the associated phenolic–protein interactions, and their functional potential. Additionally, we also discuss the current challenges and future opportunities for integrating RSM bioactive compounds into biotechnology and multi-product biorefinery schemes. Full article

In this study, we investigated the possibility of partially substituting wheat flour in bread-making technology with a by-product (rapeseed meal) obtained after pressing of rapeseed seeds used to obtain edible oil. The research was conducted within the context of sustainable food systems and circular bioeconomy strategies. Experiments were conducted using substitution rates of 10%, 20%, and 30% (RMW1, RMW2, and RMW3), as well as their corresponding breads (RMWB1, RMWB2, and RMWB3). The results reveal a notable improvement in the nutritional profile, correlated with the increase in RM. Indeed, significant increases were observed in protein content (up to 16.64% in flours and 14.19% in breads), fat content (up to 8.72% and 7.89%, respectively), and ash content (up to 2.30% and 2.85%, respectively), while carbohydrates decreased (down to 63.72 g/100 g in flours and 45.76 g/100 g in breads). Furthermore, the phytochemical profile was significantly enhanced, as reflected by the increased antioxidant capacity and elevated total polyphenol concentration, highlighting the functional potential of RM-enriched products. Water absorption increased from 55% to 61%, accompanied by a decrease in dough stability, suggesting modifications in the gluten network. Mixolab analyses indicated reduced viscosity and starch retrogradation, while physical bread properties, including porosity, elasticity, and H/D ratio, decreased with increasing substitution levels. Sensory evaluation revealed that a 10% RM substitution ensured optimal acceptability, whereas higher levels (30%) resulted in significant quality deterioration. From a sustainability perspective, the incorporation of RM contributes to the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, reducing waste streams and promoting resource efficiency. Partial substitution of wheat flour also has the potential to decrease reliance on primary agricultural inputs, thereby lowering the environmental footprint associated with cereal production. Additionally, the improved antioxidant profile may enhance product stability and shelf life, contributing to food loss reduction. In conclusion, an incorporation level of up to 20% provided the most suitable compromise between improved nutritional value, functional and technological properties, consumer acceptability, and sustainability considerations, thereby supporting the formulation of novel bakery products consistent with circular bioeconomy concepts and sustainable dietary approaches. Full article

The circular valorization of biomass for sustainable energy recovery is a strategic priority in the transition toward low-carbon systems. In the last decade, anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as an efficient technology to produce an energetic vector to replace natural gas with biomethane and reduce waste; however, the hydrolysis of refractory fractions remains the main rate-limiting step. This study investigates an innovative electro-assisted pretreatment of biomass to promote the first rate-limiting hydrolysis step of refractory compounds in biomethane production. Lignocellulosic residues are employed not only as feedstock for the AD process but also as substrates in electrohydrolysis (EH) pretreatment using an Ir-Ta mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode coupled with advanced biomass-derived carbon felt cathodes. Two cathodes were functionalized with Phragmites Australis (PhA) hydrochars, untreated (PA) and KOH-activated (PA-KOH), to enhance the in situ generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Brassica napus (Bn) was chosen as the other biomass selected as a feedstock of AD, and was subjected to EH at varying energy inputs (500–5000 kJ·kg⁻¹), evaluating structural and biochemical shifts. The results demonstrate that EH effectively modifies the biomass matrix; the PA-KOH-CF cathode exhibited good selectivity to degrade lignocellulosic structures, but higher biomethane production was achieved at 2500 kJ·kg⁻¹ TS using PA-CF, reaching an increase of 52% compared with untreated samples. Kinetic analysis of the biomethane potential was performed using the modified Gompertz model. The model accurately captured the asymmetric sigmoidal transitions of methane production with different electrode configurations, and finally, energy balance assessment identified 2500 kJ·kg⁻¹ TS as the optimal operational threshold. These findings suggest that an excess of applied energy is critical to the availability of soluble organic matter and the presence of refractory compounds that reduce efficiency. This electro-assisted approach offers a robust strategy for intensifying AD, aligning with circular bioenergy objectives. Full article

Brassica napus L. is a globally important crop and its productivity is constrained by multiple abiotic stresses (salinity, drought, and heat). Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) act as calcium sensors and play key roles in regulating ion homeostasis and stress-responsive signaling pathways, thereby contributing to plant adaptation under unfavorable environmental conditions. Here, through detailed bioinformatics analyses, the BnCBL gene family has been identified along with its role in tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. The identified 17 BnCBLs comprised four groups, as in Arabidopsis thaliana. The predicted molecular weights of the CBL proteins ranged from approximately 24.35 kDa (BnCBL3 and -9) to 29.7 kDa (BnCBL5), with protein lengths spanning 213 (BnCBL3, -9, -10, -12 and -15) to 260 amino acids (BnCBL5). Sequence, promoter, and structural analyses showed that BnCBL proteins harbor palmitoylation and myristoylation motifs in their EF-hand domains, contain hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements, and exhibit characteristic post-translational modification sites and tertiary structures. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR expression analyses showed that several BnCBL genes (BnCBL2, -6, -9, -10, and -15) exhibit differential expression (3~6-fold) under NaCl, drought, and heat stresses, as well as in response to phytohormones (IAA, GA₃, ABA, and JA). In addition, BnCBL2, -3, -6, -8, -9, -11, -12 and -16 showed significant expression (around 7-fold) against biotic stresses (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary and Plasmodiophora brassicae (Woronin, 1877), indicating their roles in both biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and potential utility in biotechnological breeding of stress-enduring B. napus cultivars. Full article

Due to drought stress caused by climate change, a growing global population, and limited land resources, interest in sustainable agriculture is growing. In this study, we evaluate the impact of commercial plant-based probiotics, several beneficial microorganisms, and calcium salts on the growth and yield of winter wheat and winter rapeseed under limited water resources. The study was conducted in field conditions in two countries simultaneously with different climatic conditions: Spain and Lithuania. Soil was supplemented with calcium in two forms: CaCO₃ and CaCl₂. Seeds were treated with microorganisms before sowing, and plants were sprayed with them in the spring. The plants inoculated with beneficial microorganisms showed improvement in yield, with harvest index increasing by 5–10% in treated plants. Grain yield was enhanced across treatments, with ProbioHumus + CaCO₃ showing the highest yield in Lithuania. Additionally, treated plants exhibited significantly lower stress indicators, with Bacillus subtilis + CaCl₂ decreasing lipid peroxidation by 27%. This study provides further evidence that plant treatment with beneficial microorganisms and calcium can contribute to a more environmentally sustainable agriculture. Full article

Histone methyltransferases of the Trithorax-related (ATXR) family act as critical epigenetic regulators in plants. However, systematic characterization of this gene family remains limited in the economically important oilseed crop Brassica napus. In this study, we performed a pan-genomic analysis of the BnaATXR family genes using 11 genetically diverse rapeseed accessions and identified a total of 185 BnaATXR family members, among which BnaATXR5 was categorized as a dispensable gene. Pan-genomic and phylogenetic analyses grouped these genes into five distinct subfamilies and uncovered strong sequence conservation and pervasive purifying selection across the family. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) was identified as the major evolutionary force driving BnaATXR genes expansion. Cis-acting regulatory element analysis further revealed significant enrichment of stress- and phytohormone-responsive motifs in the promoter regions of BnaATXR genes. BnaATXR members exhibited divergent tissue expression profiles: subfamilies B and C displayed constitutive and broad expression across multiple tissues, whereas subfamilies A and E exhibited pronounced tissue-specific expression, with preferential enrichment in reproductive organs. Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of BnaATXR6 led to delayed flowering time, shortened siliques, and decreased seed size, thereby demonstrating a key functional role of this gene in the modulation of yield-associated agronomic traits. Collectively, our findings present a genome-wide systematic characterization of the ATXR gene family and highlight their critical functional relevance to agronomically important traits in rapeseed. Full article

Soils contaminated with heavy metals including cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, and chromium continue to represent a significant environmental issue, particularly in areas affected by industrial activities. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficiency of an integrated bioremediation technique that combines, in a synergistic approach, phytoremediation with the use of natural amendments in order to reduce soil pollution with heavy metals. In addition, the potential for heavy metal recovery was investigated. The experiments were conducted under field conditions in the vicinity of the CET II Holboca power plant, using two plant species, Trifolium repens and Brassica napus, as bioaccumulators, while biochar was applied as a natural amendment. The analyses focused on metal concentrations, translocation factors, the degree of heavy metal recovery, and morpho-structural characteristics. The results indicated a high accumulation of metals in plant roots, particularly in soils treated with higher doses of biochar (4905.93 mg/kg iron for B. napus), and a significant growth stimulation (root elongation increases of up to 78% in T. repens and up to 29% in B. napus). B. napus exhibited greater translocation of metals to the aerial parts (with values up to 0.83 for zinc), whereas T. repens predominantly retained metals within the root system. The highest recovery efficiency values were observed in the case of lead, reaching 224.7% in T. repens and 86.7% in B. napus in soil amended with increased amounts of biochar. Overall, biochar application stimulated plant growth and enhanced metal uptake efficiency, suggesting a viable and practically applicable method for the ecological reconversion of contaminated land. Full article

Bolting height is a key genetic trait that affects the stress tolerance, environmental adaptation, and winter survival of Brassica napus winter rapeseed. It is particularly important for enhancing winter survival in the arid–frigid regions. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic relationship between bolting height and cold stress tolerance, thereby supporting breeding for enhanced cold tolerance. Ninety-five winter rapeseed accessions were used in this study. Through both spring and autumn sowing trials, the dynamic changes in bolting height under different environments were systematically analyzed, and the genetic stability of bolting height as well as its correlation with cold tolerance were clarified. Bolting height showed consistent variation trends between spring and autumn sowing trials, exhibiting high genetic stability. It displayed an extremely significant negative correlation with cold tolerance: genotypes with lower bolting height possessed stronger cold tolerance. The regulatory mechanism underlying low bolting and cold tolerance was revealed at cellular and molecular levels. Low bolting accessions exhibited flat and broad shoot apical meristems, with small and compact cells, a high nucleoplasmic ratio, and indistinct vacuoles. The gibberellin synthesis gene BnaA06g24070D was downregulated, while the key cold-tolerant gene BnCBF5 was upregulated. Exogenous hormone treatment preliminarily verified the causal regulatory effect of bolting height on cold tolerance. In both spring and autumn sowing trials, bolting height at the initial flowering stage showed an extremely significant positive correlation with vernalization index, with correlation coefficients of 0.80 and 0.78, respectively. Lower bolting height corresponded to a smaller vernalization index and stronger temperature sensitivity. Moreover, bolting height at the initial flowering stage showed an extremely significant negative correlation with comprehensive cold tolerance scores, with correlation coefficients of −0.77 and −0.80, respectively. Low-bolt materials had significantly higher overwintering rates and comprehensive cold tolerance scores, as well as a markedly lower semi-lethal temperature (LT₅₀), compared with high-bolt accessions. Low-bolt accessions presented significantly prolonged bolting stage, bud stage, initial flowering stage, and whole growth durations, and their agronomic trait stability across years was significantly superior to that of high-bolt accessions. This study confirmed that low bolting height is a crucial breeding trait for the cold tolerance of winter rapeseed, and thus an important selection indicator for the cold tolerance improvement of winter rapeseed in arid–frigid regions in northern China. Full article

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a globally important oilseed crop; however, its ‘double-low’ cultivars exhibit substantially reduced glucosinolate levels in vegetative tissues. To investigate whether UV-B radiation could be used to enhance glucosinolate accumulation, we systematically examined the modulation of glucosinolate profiles and associated biosynthetic pathways in leaves of the ‘double-low’ cultivar NY4 under white light (WL) supplemented with two UV-B intensities: low-intensity UV-B (UVBL, 0.1 W m⁻²) and high-intensity UV-B (UVBH, 0.4 W m⁻²). Rapeseed seedlings were treated for 21 days under a 16 h photoperiod, and leaf samples were collected at the end of the treatment period, with three biological replicates per condition. Compared with the WL control, UVBL significantly increased total glucosinolate content by 64.57%, driven predominantly by elevated accumulation of progoitrin and neoglucobrassicin. In contrast, UVBH reduced total glucosinolate levels but markedly elevated gluconasturtiin content. Transcriptome analysis revealed that UVBL upregulated key genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis (e.g., MAM, IPMDH, CYP79F1, and SOT17/18) and transcription factors (e.g., MYB28, MYB34, MYB51, and MYB122). Conversely, UVBH downregulated genes associated with side-chain elongation of aliphatic glucosinolates and secondary modification of indolic glucosinolate. Collectively, these results demonstrate that low-intensity UV-B radiation can effectively boost total glucosinolate content in rapeseed leaves via transcriptional reprogramming. Full article

Copper (Cu) contamination poses severe threats to agricultural productivity and food safety, particularly affecting economically important crops such as rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). This study investigated the protective effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against Cu toxicity in four B. napus cultivars. Exposure to Cu (200 μM) caused severe reductions in growth and photosynthetic efficiency while significantly elevating oxidative stress markers across all cultivars. Application of SeNPs (25 μM) effectively mitigated these adverse effects, improving biomass, restoring chlorophyll content, and enhancing photosynthetic performance compared to Cu-stressed plants. SeNP treatment significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, with corresponding upregulation of antioxidant gene expression. Secondary metabolite profiling revealed cultivar-specific responses, with sensitive cultivar Zheda 622 exhibiting metabolic adaptation and higher volatile organic compound (VOC) accumulation, while tolerant cultivar Zheda 635 maintained metabolic stability. PCA analysis demonstrated distinct metabolic clustering patterns, reflecting differential stress-responsive strategies. The study demonstrates that SeNPs attenuate Cu-induced toxicity through integrated mechanisms encompassing diminished Cu acquisition, augmented antioxidant defense systems, and comprehensive metabolic reprogramming. Cultivar-specific responses highlighted substantial genetic variation in tolerance mechanisms across B. napus genotypes. These findings substantiate SeNPs as a viable and efficacious nanomaterial for sustainable agronomic management in Cu-contaminated edaphic environments. The approach offers dual benefits of improved crop productivity and reduced Cu accumulation, ensuring enhanced food safety. Full article

Effective weed control is essential for sustainable and safe rice production, particularly under the long-term and widespread use of chemical herbicides. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops worldwide, and the oilseed rape–rice rotation system is widely practiced in China. It has been reported to exhibit strong allelopathy on various plants, but the feasibility of using its straw incorporation for weed control in transplanted rice fields remains unclear. In this study, a natural weed management strategy based on shallow tillage of oilseed rape straw (ORS) was evaluated through laboratory bioassays, greenhouse experiments, and field trials. The results indicated that soil decomposition liquids (SDLs) of ORS exhibited strong dose- and decomposition time-dependent allelopathic effects on seven paddy weed species, while rice showed markedly lower sensitivity. ORS incorporated at 700–1100 g/m² generally exhibited high integrated allelopathic inhibition (in lab) and population control effects (in greenhouse) on paddy weeds, especially Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees, Cyperus iria L., and Cyperus difformis L. Among the growth parameters of ORS allelopathic stress, root growth was the most sensitive indicator, followed by shoot growth and seed germination. Greenhouse experiments displayed variety-dependent impact on the transplanted rice seedlings, with Xiushui134 and Yongyou1540 showing relatively high tolerance. Field trials revealed that ORS incorporation at 1100 g/m² for 10 d achieved a satisfactory control of population (77.7–84.9%) and fresh weight (80.7–95.6%) across Gramineae, Cyperaceae and Broadleaf weeds, without adverse impact on the growth of transplanted rice seedlings (Yongyou1540). This treatment also significantly promoted theoretical grain yield by 13.4–19.4%. Overall, shallow tillage of oilseed rape straw provides a feasible and environmentally friendly weed control strategy for transplanted rice systems. Full article

Serine protease-like proteases (SBTs) constitute a distinct class of serine proteases exclusive to plants. Despite the recognized importance of SBTs in various plants, knowledge concerning the evolution and function of SBT genes in Brassica napus is limited. In this study, a total of 140, 63, and 71 SBT genes were identified in B. napus, B. oleracea, and B. rapa, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis classified these 330 identified SBTs into five subfamilies, and collinearity analyses further indicated that gene redundancy and gene loss were strongly associated with polyploidization in Brassicaceae plants. Additionally, analyses of gene structure and conserved motifs suggested that evolutionary changes in exon-intron structures may contribute to the differentiation of coding regions, expression patterns, and even functions within the BnSBT family. Analysis of promoter cis-regulatory elements revealed their predominant association with hormonal responses, abiotic stress, and processes related to plant growth and development. Furthermore, eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through a comparative analysis of RNA-Seq data from high- and low-yielding cultivars. qRT-PCR verification also revealed that these eight DEGs (BnSBT1.4b, BnSBT1.4c, BnSBT1.4d, BnSBT1.5c, BnSBT1.6b, BnSBT1.8a, BnSBT3.14a, and BnSBT3.14b) were significantly differentially expressed in the pericarp and seeds. They could be categorized into two distinct groups: BnSBT1.4b, BnSBT1.4c, BnSBT1.4d, BnSBT1.5c, and BnSBT1.8a were highly expressed in high-SPSI material, whereas BnSBT1.6b, BnSBT3.14a, and BnSBT3.14b were highly expressed in low-SPSI material. These results suggest that BnSBTs have diverse potential functions in regulating yield traits in Brassica napus. These findings offer key insights into Brassicaceae SBT genes and highlight the importance of BnSBTs in achieving high yields in Brassica napus. Full article

To support low-cost, non-destructive crop growth monitoring, this study systematically compared different vegetation indices, voxel sizes, and camera angles using a point cloud voxelization approach combined with a vegetation index weighted canopy volume index (CVM_VI) to assess aboveground biomass (AGB) in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2024 at the Yangma Experimental Base of the Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. Red, green, blue (RGB) imagery of oilseed rape was acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the following five key growth stages: seedling, bolting, flowering, podding, and maturity. Collected images were processed to generate point clouds, which were subsequently voxelized at four resolutions (0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.1 m). CVM_VI was constructed by integrating vegetation indices (VIs) derived from the RGB data and the voxelized canopy structural information. Regression models were established between the CVM_VI values and field-measured AGB to estimate biomass. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative error (RE). There were strong correlations (r > 0.80) between the estimated and measured AGB across all voxelization treatments throughout the growth period. Among the 20 VIs tested, regression methods based on the blue green ratio index (BGI), color intensity index, blue red ratio index, vegetative index, and green red ratio index consistently showed superior estimation performance across three consecutive years, demonstrating their good applicability for estimating AGB in oilseed rape under varying agronomic conditions (different varieties, densities, and sowing dates). The cubic regression model CVM_BGI performed best under a 45° UAV camera angle, with the highest R² and lowest RMSE and RE (2021–2022: R² = 0.864, RMSE = 2414.18 kg/ha, RE = 14.8%; 2022–2023: R² = 0.754, RMSE = 2550.53 kg/ha, RE = 14.9%; 2023–2024: R² = 0.863, RMSE = 1953.61 kg/ha, RE = 22.9%). Since the estimation performance showed negligible differences among voxel sizes, and the 0.1–m voxel offered the smallest data volume and shortest analysis time, the CVM_BGI model with a 0.1–m voxel was selected as the preferred approach, providing a practical balance between estimation performance and processing demand. These findings highlight the application potential of point cloud voxelization technology for crop biomass estimation. This study proposes a novel, non-destructive, and efficient framework for estimating field crop AGB using low-cost UAV RGB imagery, facilitating the wider adoption of UAV technology in practical agricultural production. Full article

Livestock manure resources are abundant in the upper Yellow River basin on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, where rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is grown under cold, short-season alpine conditions. To identify a suitable organic fertilizer substitution proportion, a two-year randomized complete block field experiment was conducted on Chestnut soil (Kastanozem) to compare mineral fertilization with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement of mineral N by an organic fertilizer produced from composted cattle and sheep manure under equal total N, P, and K inputs. Grain yield was highest at 50% substitution, increasing by about 14% relative to mineral fertilization (p < 0.05), whereas 100% substitution slightly reduced yield. Increasing manure inputs enlarged soil organic carbon and total nutrient pools, but these increases were not accompanied by proportional increases in plant-available nutrients. Compared with mineral fertilization, 50% substitution increased available N, P, and K by about 18%, 34%, and 10%, respectively, and also increased the proportions of total N, P, and K present in available forms. Activities of the measured extracellular enzymes were generally 12–72% higher under 50% substitution than under mineral fertilization. A piecewise structural equation model indicated that yield improvement was associated mainly with greater nutrient uptake and recovery efficiency. Overall, moderate substitution best balanced nutrient accumulation, nutrient availability, efficiency, and productivity under the tested alpine conditions. Full article

Understanding how oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars differ in canopy development and competitive ability is essential for improving yield stability under increasing weed pressure. This study used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral imaging to characterize the temporal spectral and structural traits of sixteen oat cultivars grown under weed-free and weedy conditions across two locations for two years. Weedy conditions involved natural weed populations and pseudo-weeds where canola (Brassica napus) seeded as a weed. Weekly drone imaging was carried out using a multispectral sensor, which provided vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, ExG) and canopy metrics (ground cover, height, volume). Logistic and Gompertz models were fitted to cultivar traits to describe growth trajectories and obtain dynamic growth parameters. Cultivars showed clear differences in early canopy expansion, maximum NDVI, and canopy volume, with forage types expressing aggressive growth and several grain types combining high early growth rate with high yield potential. Machine-learning models integrating static and dynamic UAV-derived plant traits identified early ground cover and NDRE at three weeks after planting as the strongest predictors of grain yield. Models accurately predicted both weed-free (MAE = 262, R² = 0.90) and weedy yield (MAE = 258, R² = 0.90), demonstrating that early-season UAV traits capture the physiological and structural characteristics associated with competitive ability and grain yield. These findings show that high-throughput UAV phenotyping can reliably identify traits linked to yield formation and weed tolerance, providing a scalable approach for selecting competitive oat cultivars without relying solely on labor-intensive weedy field trials. Full article