Search Results (88)

Microbial herbicides, recognized for their target specificity, environmental compatibility, and simple production processes, hold promising potential for sustainable agriculture. This study isolated a strain of Alternaria gaisen (designated GD-011) from infected Medicago sativa L. in Qinghai Province, China, and evaluated its herbicidal potential through systematic development and efficacy assessment. Using single-factor and orthogonal experimental designs, the optimal sporulation substrate was identified as wheat bran, and the fermentation medium was optimized to consist of 14.5 g wheat bran, 19.4 g wheat middlings, 1.5 g rapeseed cake, and 14.6 g corn flour. Based on colony diameter and OD₆₀₀ measurements, diatomite was selected as the most suitable carrier, while bentonite, humic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol were chosen as the stabilizer, protectant, and dispersant, respectively. Pot trials under controlled conditions demonstrated strong herbicidal activity of GD-011 against three common weed species: Chenopodium album L., Elsholtzia densa Benth., and Galium aparine L. The highest efficacy was observed against C. album, with disease incidence and fresh weight inhibition reaching 80.83% and 79.87%, respectively. Inhibition rates for both E. densa and G. asparine exceeded 60%. A wettable powder formulation developed from GD-011 showed particularly effective control of C. album and E. densa, providing a practical foundation for the application of GD-011 as a novel bioherbicide. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of co-digesting rapeseed oil cake, a by-product of biodiesel production, with microalgal biomass. Anaerobic fermentation was carried out under mesophilic conditions using various doses of press residue as a co-substrate. The results demonstrate that the addition of rapeseed oil cake enhances biogas production. The highest biogas yield was achieved during co-digestion with 1 g VS·L⁻¹ of microalgal biomass and 0.5 g VS·L⁻¹ of rapeseed oil cake. The average methane content in the biogas was 62.42%. The average hydrogen sulfide concentration ranged from 400 to 700 ppm. The maximum energy yield of 3.76 kWh·kg⁻¹ DM was obtained from co-digesting microalgal and rapeseed oil cake biomass in a 2:1 ratio. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different organic fertilizers and their concentrations on the growth of ‘Orah’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) seedlings, as well as on the mineral nutrient contents, chemical and biological properties, and microbial community of the soil. Five types of organic fertilizers and three concentrations were studied. The seedling growth indexes, leaf mineral elements, soil mineral elements, soil enzyme activity, and soil microorganisms were measured. The results showed that organic fertilization significantly increased the contents of eight mineral elements in leaves, depending on the types and concentrations used. Specifically, rapeseed cake fertilizer was found to significantly increase the content of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in the leaves. Furthermore, compared with applying only chemical fertilizers or no fertilizers at all, the application of organic fertilizer significantly increased the content of soil organic matter (SOM) and several mineral elements in the soil. The bacterial species composition of soil treated with common organic fertilizer and bio-organic fertilizer, and sheep manure were similar; however, the bacterial composition was significantly different in the soil which been treated with rapeseed cake compared to these other three fertilizers. Additionally, PICRUSt function predicting indicates that the core microbial community in the rapeseed cake group could promote synthesis and the transport of sugar, iron and other substances. Organic fertilizer can change soil chemical and biological properties by affecting the core microbial community structure, and further promote accumulation of mineral elements in the leaves of citrus seedlings. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable biorefinery approaches calls for efficient, environmentally benign strategies to valorize agricultural residues and ensure their complete utilization. This study explores the combination of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and microwave heating technology as a greener process for the selective fractionation of agri-food waste residues in a zero-waste perspective. Within this framework, five representative biomasses were thoroughly investigated, namely brewer’s spent grain, raw and parboiled rice husks, rapeseed cakes, and hemp hurds. DES formulation was selected for its ability to solubilize and separate lignocellulosic components, enabling the recovery of a polysaccharide-rich fraction, lignin, and bioactive compounds. DES extraction was performed using both microwave heating and conventional batch heating, enabling a direct comparison of the two methods, the optimization of a more sustainable fractionation process, and the maximization of yields while preserving the functional integrity of the recovered fractions. A comprehensive characterization of the separated fractions was carried out, revealing that the two fractionation methods do not yield significant differences in the composition of the primary components. Moreover, a ¹³C CP-MAS NMR analysis of the recovered lignins demonstrates how this analytical technique is a real fingerprint for the biomass source. The results demonstrate the great potential of microwave DES-mediated fractionation as a mild, tunable, and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, aligning with green chemistry principles and opening new approaches for the full valorization of waste byproducts Full article

Cake fertilizers are phosphorus-rich organic fertilizers that are commonly used in horticulture. Soil plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizer. Comparative data on the relative phosphorus efficiency (rPE) of cake fertilizers across contrasting soils are scarce in the international literature. Information on the mechanisms that control phosphorus supply is also limited. This study examined the rPE of rapeseed and soybean cakes in three soils using ryegrass growth experiments and investigated the main factors affecting their phosphorus efficiency. The results showed that the rPE of rapeseed cake did not differ significantly among the three soils, with an average value of 71%. In contrast, the rPE of soybean cake showed a clear soil-dependent pattern, with the highest rPE in red soil (67%), followed by fluvo-aquic soil (47%), and the lowest in yellow-brown soil (32%). In red soil, there was no significant difference in rPE between the two cakes. Water-soluble phosphorus content of cake fertilizers and soil phosphatase activity are key factors affecting rPE. Owing to its low water-soluble phosphorus content, the phosphorus supplied by soybean cake is predominantly mobilized through soil phosphatase–mediated mineralization of organic phosphorus. In phosphorus fertilization practices, both cake water-soluble phosphorus content and soil phosphatase activity should be considered. In soils with low phosphatase activity, cake fertilizers with a higher water-soluble phosphorus content should be prioritized. Full article

Fertilizer integration is key for sustainable tea gardens, but the impacts of different plant- or animal-derived organic fertilizers on soil pH, nutrients, and carbon composition remain unclear. This study evaluated five fertilizer treatments: 50% chemical fertilizer combined with 50% of either compound fertilizer (CF), rapeseed cake (RC), soybean cake (SC), chicken manure (CD), or sheep manure (SD). Results indicate that both plant- and animal-derived organic fertilizers effectively increased soil pH and soil organic matter content. However, animal-derived fertilizers showed a more pronounced capacity to buffer soil acidity, albeit with the potential risk of exceeding the optimal pH range for tea cultivation. In terms of soil fertility, RC performed best, achieving the highest total nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Compared to CF, RC increased nitrogen by 27.98% and phosphorus by 89.04% in the first year, and by 51.21% (N) and 61.35% (P) in the second year. The CD demonstrated superior performance in available potassium, with increases of 52.01% in the first year and 86.09% in the second year compared to CF. Regarding soil organic carbon composition, including total organic carbon (TOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), both types of organic fertilizers enhanced TOC levels compared to CF. Animal-derived fertilizers were more effective in rapidly increasing TOC and POC, whereas plant-derived fertilizers promoted a more stable accumulation of POC, contributing to long-term soil fertility through sustained nutrient release. Dynamics of MAOC revealed initial enhancements under animal-derived fertilizers, but stability declined over time. In contrast, plant-derived treatments showed a steadier increase in MAOC. Ratios of POC/TOC and MAOC/TOC further indicated that RC favored a higher proportion of particulate organic carbon, which is crucial for sustained nutrient availability. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of tailored fertilization strategies to optimize soil productivity and enhance carbon sequestration in tea gardens. Adapting fertilizer application to specific soil conditions is therefore critical for the effective management of modern sustainable tea garden systems. Full article

Oilseed cakes, by-products of oil extraction, represent an underutilized resource with significant potential for sustainable food and pharmaceutical applications. This comprehensive review examines the valorization strategies for oilseed cakes, focusing on their rich protein (up to 56%) and fiber (up to 66%) content. We analyze both conventional and innovative extraction methods, highlighting the advantages of ultrasound-assisted (96.64% phenolic compound yield), enzymatic (82–83% protein recovery), and subcritical water extraction techniques in improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This review demonstrates diverse applications of oilseed cake components from gluten-free bakery products and plant-based meat alternatives to advanced nanoencapsulation systems for bioactive compounds. Each major oilseed type (soybean, rapeseed, sunflower and flaxseed) exhibits unique nutritional and functional properties that can be optimized through appropriate processing. Despite technological advances, challenges remain in scaling extraction methods and balancing yield with functionality. This paper identifies key research directions, including the development of integrated biorefinery approaches and the further exploration of health-promoting peptides and fibers. By addressing these challenges, oilseed cakes can play a crucial role in sustainable food systems and the circular economy, transforming agricultural by-products into high-value ingredients while reducing waste. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection has prompted the exploration of innovative methods to valorize byproducts from rapeseed oil production. This review focuses on the application of microorganisms as a promising approach to transforming rapeseed de-oiling residues, such as cake and meal, into valuable products. This review discusses traditional and modern methods of rapeseed oil extraction, the composition and challenges posed by rapeseed byproducts, and the presence of antinutritional components such as glucosinolates, erucic acid, and phytic acid. Microbial applications, including the production of industrial enzymes, enhanced digestibility, and the neutralization of antinutritional factors, are examined as key solutions for waste valorization. Additionally, the role of microbial consortia and genetic modification in optimizing transformation processes is discussed. This review underscores the potential of microorganisms in creating eco-friendly, scalable technologies that contribute to resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in the agricultural and biotechnology sectors. Full article

Rapeseed proteins, due to their quality and wide availability, have great potential for application in human nutrition. However, their high content of antinutritional compounds poses significant economic and environmental challenges for food industry applications. To overcome these obstacles, various extraction and modification techniques, including enzymatic and ultrasound-assisted methods, were used to enhance protein functionality and improve both nutritional and sensory properties. In this study, the effects of dephenolization on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of rapeseed protein isolate obtained from defatted rapeseed cake were investigated through four different protocols. All obtained protein isolates (PIs) exhibited high protein purity (above 65%), with a notable difference in extraction yield. Furthermore, the extraction process was optimized using an artificial neural network (ANN) model, which demonstrated high predictive performance. The optimal extraction conditions for the dephenolization of rapeseed oil cake were 84% ethanol concentration, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1/60 w/v, and 15 min of ultrasound treatment, resulting in an impressive protein purity of 90.68% with a yield of 29.17%. The obtained proteins were further characterized and compared in terms of protein profile (FTIR and SDS-PAGE), amino acid composition, solubility, and digestibility. The protein isolate (PI) obtained under optimized conditions displayed superior functional properties, underscoring the relevance and necessity of a data-driven, mathematical approach for scale-up and industrial implementation. Full article

Oil cakes are biomass wastes created by pressing oil from oilseeds. Their chemical composition (including high fat or protein content, a favorable fatty acid profile, and a high proportion of unsaturated acids) makes them valuable raw materials not only in animal feeding but are increasingly gaining popularity in biotechnological processes. This article examines the possibility of valorizing oil cakes using the lipid fraction extracted from them or their raw form in a two-pot biosynthesis process of GDDL—a cyclic ester with a creamy-peach aroma. This study tested five types of oil cakes (hemp seeds, rapeseed, safflower, camelina, and flax), analyzing their physicochemical composition and the fatty acid profile of their lipid fraction. Due to the high content of oleic acid (over 62% lipid fraction) and the wide availability, rapeseed cake was used in the biotransformation process. The synthesis of GDDL involved a three-step process: hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, hydration of oleic acid (via lactic acid bacteria in anaerobic conditions), and β-oxidation (via Yarrowia yeast, aerobic process). The analysis showed that it is possible to produce because of the two-pot biotransformation of approximately 1.7 g of GDDL/dm³. These results highlight the process’s potential and justify the feasibility of waste valorization. The proposed biotransformation requires optimization and is a good example of the application of the circular economy in food processing and waste management. Full article

Palm and palm kernel oils are preferred ingredients in industrial food processing for baked goods and chocolate-based desserts due to their unique properties, such as their distinctive melting behaviors. However, ongoing concerns about the social and environmental sustainability of palm oil production, coupled with consumer demands for palm oil-free products, have prompted the industry to seek alternatives which avoid the use of other tropical or hydrogenated fats. This project investigated replacing palm oils with chemically unhardened Swiss sunflower or rapeseed oils. Target applications were cookies and chocolate fillings. These oils were physically modified through emulsification, stabilized with finely ground oil press cake particles and crystallized waxes. Findings indicated that the emulsification of the oils increased viscosity and that the addition of wax was beneficial for long-term stability; however, the extent of this effect depended on the combination of oil and wax types. Furthermore, wax pre-crystallization and low shear during crystallization significantly improved emulsion stability. Despite these improvements, the resulting emulsions did not achieve sufficient stability and exhibited lower viscosity than palm oil. Future experiments should explore higher wax concentrations (1% or more) and develop analytical methods to better understand the wax composition and its role in oleogel formation. Full article

Rapeseed is a high-quality protein source; however, its quality primarily depends on the variety, origin, and processing method. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a mineral supplement (“Peelko”; 27% Ca, 3.5% Mg, 800 mg/kg Fe) in terms of whether it is suitable for reducing the remaining antinutritional substances in cold-pressed rapeseed cake, thereby improving the nutrient content and digestibility of rapeseed. The experiment was carried out with 600 Ross-308 broilers divided into three feeding groups: the control diet contained extracted soybean meal, the R treatment included 10–15% cold-pressed rapeseed cake (in grower and finisher phases), and the R+ treatment consisted of the mineral supplement in addition to the cold-pressed rapeseed cake. R+ had a beneficial effect on the FCR in the grower and finisher feeding phases; moreover, it increased the weight of thyroid glands and the T3 and T4 hormone levels in the blood serum to a lesser extent than R when compared to C (p < 0.05). Diet-specific changes could be observed through the histological examination of thyroid glands, where the acini became larger when the unsupplemented cold-pressed rapeseed cake was fed (R group). Using the mineral supplement (R+ diet) decreased the acinus diameter compared to the R diet, with a similar value to that observed in control birds. The protein content in the breast and fat content in the thigh showed milder changes in R+ than R, compared to C (p < 0.05). The relative ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids narrowed in both R and R+ meat samples compared to C (p < 0.05). R+ may have a more favorable effect on oxidation processes according to the better MDA values in fresh meat (p < 0.001) and samples after 1–2 months of storage (p < 0.05) than R when compared with C. The negative modifications in the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and the organoleptic properties of the meat were less significant with R+ than R, compared to the control (p < 0.05). According to the results of this study, the R+ treatment was able to reduce the antinutritional effects of rapeseed, as evident from the properties of the resulting animal products. Full article

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) biomass holds significant potential as a renewable energy resource in Europe due to its adaptability, high oil content, and role in biodiesel production. This review explores the energy applications of rapeseed biomass, examining its agronomic characteristics and environmental benefits. A detailed analysis of extraction processes—pressing, solvent extraction, and refining—highlights methods to optimize oil yield and quality. Additionally, the review addresses the use of rapeseed oil in various biofuel applications, including its direct use and in blends with fuels like alcohols and hydrogen, analyzing performance and emissions outcomes. Rapeseed cake, a valuable by-product, is discussed for its dual role as animal feed and as a moderate biofuel alternative. Emissions data and combustion efficiency metrics provide insights into the feasibility of rapeseed oil as a fuel substitute. Overall, this review aims to underscore the contributions of rapeseed biomass to sustainable energy and to identify gaps in current research that can guide future innovations in biofuel production and agricultural sustainability in Europe. Research in rapeseed biomass focuses on optimizing extraction methods, improving combustion efficiency and emission control, exploring advanced uses for rapeseed cake, developing higher-yielding and resilient varieties, conducting lifecycle sustainability assessments, and investigating new biofuel blends and applications. Full article

Rapeseeds (Brassica napus), cultivated widely as a source of oil, generate substantial by-products after oil extraction. Unfortunately, rapeseed meal is considered a waste product and as such is discharged into environment as compost or used as animal feed. However, this meal is rich in bioactive compounds (proteins, minerals, fibers and polyphenols), indicating its potential for the development of value-added products. The meal shows a higher content of minerals, total dietary fibers and proteins. Rapeseed meal contains a proportion of oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, predominately linoleic and α-linolenic acid. The amino acid proportion in the meal is higher than that in the seeds and contains essential amino acids, predominately valine. The analyses show the presence of valuable components in the cake, which makes it suitable for use in obtaining value-added products. Full article

Objective: The experiment was conducted to determine the apparent or standardized ileal digestibility (AID or SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 10 rapeseed cake samples fed to pigs, and to construct predictive models for the SID of CP and AA based on the chemical composition of rapeseed cakes. Methods: Twenty-two cannulated pigs (initial body weight: 39.8 ± 1.2 kg) were assigned to two 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square designs, including an N-free diet and 10 diets containing rapeseed cake. Each experimental period included 5 days of adaptation and 2 days of ileal digesta collection. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was added at 0.3% to all the diets as an indigestible marker for calculating the ileal CP and AA digestibility. Results: The coefficients of variation (CV) of the content of crude fat (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total glucosinolates (TGS) in 10 samples of rapeseed cake were greater than 10%. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp) in rapeseed cake was 73.34% (61.49 to 81.12%), 63.01% (41.41 to 73.10%), 69.47% (50.55 to 88.16%), 79.61% (74.41 to 87.58%), and 94.43% (91.34 to 97.20%), respectively. The best prediction equations for SID_CP, SID_Lys, and SID_Val were as follows: SID_CP = 90.124 − 0.54NDF (R² = 0.58), SID_Lys = 100.107 − 1.229NDF (R² = 0.94), and SID_Val = 151.012 − 2.990TGS (R² = 0.57). Conclusion: Overall, great variation exists among the 10 rapeseed cakes, and the NDF, TGS, and heating temperature can be used as the key predictors for the SID of CP and AA. Full article