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Linseed oil is utilised in a broad range of industrial and food applications, which make desirable a thorough understanding of the factors that influence its yield and quality. In this study, we used a Bayesian hierarchical model to investigate the impact of genotype and climatic variables on linseed seed and oil yield, as well as fatty acid composition, by utilising a germplasm collection database. Data were collected for 25 years at two nearby locations in Northern Italy, covering between 192 and 252 cultivars. After model optimisation, the cultivar-specific intercept coefficient exhibited the highest degree of differentiation across cultivars for all the variables under investigation. The response to temperature showed on the other hand no difference among cultivars, but it was generally negative for seed yield and seed oil content while it did not impact on fatty acids except for reducing the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats in a few cultivars. A higher variability was detected for the cultivar response to rainfall, which affected seed yield and oil content either negatively or positively. Rainfall also influenced fatty acid composition, in particular the fraction of monounsaturated acids which were negatively impacted in all cultivars. Overall, the seed yield was the variable most affected by weather factors, which accounted for a value ranging between −27.9 % and 14.9 % on the average characteristic value of the cultivar, whereas for all other variables, the deviation was always less than 8 % in absolute value. The study also analysed the effect of autumn sowing compared to spring sowing, more commonly practiced in the study sites. Autumn sowing increased seed yield by up to 79.4 %, whereas oil content rose by no more than 1.6 %. While the saturated and monounsaturated fractions of fatty acids decreased, the polyunsaturated fraction rose to a maximum of 13.1 %. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats was increased up to 29.4 %. • Seed and oil production in linseed cultivars were analysed with a Bayesian model. • Data were collected over 25 years at two sites in Northern Italy. • Model parameters linked to genotype provided the highest level of differentiation. • Seed yield, oil content and composition were affected by temperature and rain. • Autumn sowing increased seed production and changed oil composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Knockout of BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 resulted retarded growth of B. napus. • BnaPPT1 is required for membrane lipid synthesis and chloroplast development in leaves. • Overexpression of BnaC08.PPT1 significantly elevated the seed oil content. • BnaPPT1 plays an important role in maintaining plant growth and seed oil accumulation in B. napus. Phosphoenolpyruvate/phosphate translocator (PPT) transports phosphoenolpyruvate from the cytosol into the plastid for fatty acid (FA) and other metabolites biosynthesis. This study investigated PPTs' functions in plant growth and seed oil biosynthesis in oilseed crop Brassica napus. We created over-expression and mutant material of BnaPPT1. The plant development, oil content, lipids, metabolites and ultrastructure of seeds were compared to evaluate the gene function. The plastid membrane localized BnaPPT1 was found to be required for normal growth of B. napus. The plants grew slower with yellowish leaves in BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 double mutant plants. The results of chloroplast ultrastructural observation and lipid analysis show that BnaPPT1 plays an essential role in membrane lipid synthesis and chloroplast development in leaves, thereby affecting photosynthesis. Moreover, the analysis of primary metabolites and lipids in developing seeds showed that BnaPPT1 could impact seed glycolytic metabolism and lipid level. Knockout of BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 resulted in decreasing of the seed oil content by 2.2 to 9.1%, while overexpression of BnaC08.PPT1 significantly promoted the seed oil content by 2.1 to 3.3%. Our results suggest that BnaPPT1 is necessary for plant chloroplast development, and it plays an important role in maintaining plant growth and promoting seed oil accumulation in B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the main hemp foods products derive from hemp seed (seed, dehulled seed, meal and oil) and an uncertain economic sustainability of the hemp food supply chain remains to be resolved. The cause is often to be found in unsatisfactory quantitative-qualitative seed yield. Following the above, an experiment was conducted utilizing Futura and Zenit varieties with different crop cycle duration, cultivated in two locations (S. Osvaldo and Verzegnis), for two years (2019 and 2020) and with two sowing times (conventional and delayed). A total number of five-nine seed samples of ten seeds each, depending on location and variety, were collected from the middle of inflorescence of five plants for each of the three replications, starting from 50 Growing Degree Days (GDDs) after flowering until physiological maturity. The following characteristics were determined on each seed: whole seed weight, kernel weight, pericarp weight, whole seed oil content, oil weight, kernel oil content, kernel percentage, hull to kernel ratio and oil to kernel ratio. The achievement of seed with high oil content and high weight at maturity is mainly due to the accumulation rate intensity rather than length of the seed-filling period. The accumulation rate for seed growth and oil accumulation is mainly dependent on the genotype, but also affected by daily mean temperatures above 23°C recorded during the first 20 days after flowering that resulted the sub-phase most susceptible to temperature. The use of the character oil weight per seed, instead of whole seed oil content commonly utilized in breeding activity with the aim of increasing the oil content in oil crops, could simultaneously improve the seed and kernel weight; both parameters highly appreciated in the hemp food chain. • Seed weight and oil content depend on seed growth and oil accumulation rates. • No relation of seed growth and oil accumulation rates with seed-filling duration. • Both accumulation rates depend mainly on genotype and temperature after flowering. • Temperature over 23°C in 20 days after flowering affects both accumulation rates. • Oil weight per seed as selection trait could improve other favourable seed traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological and biochemical responses of salt-stressed safflower to elevated CO 2 remain inadequately known. This study investigated the interactive effects of high CO 2 concentration (700 ± 50 vs. 400 ± 50 μmol mol−1) and salinity stress levels (0.4, 6, and 12 dS m−1, NaCl) on growth and physiological properties of four safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes, under open chamber conditions. Results showed that the effects of CO 2 on biomass of shoot and grains depend on salt stress and plant genotype. Elevated CO 2 conditions increased shoot dry weight under moderate salinity stress and decreased it under severe stress. The increased CO 2 concentration also increased the safflower genotypes' relative water content and their K+/Na + concentrations. Also enriched CO 2 increased total carotenoid levels in safflower genotypes and improved membrane stability index by reducing H 2 O 2 levels. In addition, increased CO 2 level led to an increase in seed oil content, under both saline and non-saline conditions. This effect was particularly pronounced under severe saline conditions. Under conditions of high CO 2 and salinity, the Koseh genotype exhibited higher grain weight and seed oil content than other genotypes. This advantage is due to the higher relative water content, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) , and K+/Na+, as well as the lower Na+ and H 2 O 2 concentrations. Results indicate that the high CO 2 level mitigated the destructive effect of salinity on safflower growth by reducing Na + uptake and increasing the Fv/Fm , total soluble carbohydrates, and membrane stability index. This finding can be used in safflower breeding programs to develop cultivars that can thrive in arid regions with changing climatic conditions. • Elevated CO 2 reduced Na + uptake, mitigating the adverse effects of salinity. • Elevated CO 2 levels increased seed oil concentration, especially in severe saline conditions. • Koseh and C411 genotypes exhibited the highest positive response in grain weight to increasing CO 2 concentrations. • The superior grain weight and oil content of the Koseh genotype under high CO 2 and salinity were attributed to maintained K+/Na+, RWC and Fv/Fm levels. • Safflower's ability to withstand the interplay between atmospheric CO 2 , salt stress, and physiological functions as a resilient alternative crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new crop model to simulate camelina seed yield and oil quality is presented. • The model, CAMEL, accounts for the impact of climatic conditions and sowing period. • Fatty acids biosynthesis is simulated via a kinetic model during camelina ripening. • CAMEL explained 75–91% of seed yield variability, with average error of 150 kg ha−1. • Average R2 for seed oil and fatty acid fractions varied between 0.82 and 0.97. Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) is an oilseed crop gaining interest due to its potential portfolio of derived bio-based products. The inclusion of camelina in traditional crop rotations is fostered by the possibility of growing it either as spring or autumn crop, the latter being of particular interest in the Mediterranean region. Here we present a process-based simulation model for camelina, CAMEL, and we evaluate its performances in predicting yield, oil production and principal fatty acid accumulation. CAMEL integrates a crop simulator with a model of soil water balance and with models to reproduce main seed qualitative traits. It was calibrated and validated using ten camelina field experiments performed in Northern Italy in non-limiting conditions for soil water availability and nitrogen fertilization during 2015–2017. The results for phenology (average error of 6.7 days), and biomass and yield accumulation (RRMSE = 23% for aboveground biomass and 9% for yield) denoted the ability of CAMEL to reproduce field observations of crop development and growth across growing seasons and sowing periods. The large correlation between simulated and measured oil fractions highlights the correct reproduction of the main camelina fatty acids. This work lays the basis for the use of CAMEL as a support tool to assess seed yield and quality in Northern Italy, besides further work is still needed to add the impact of management practices on yield and qualitative traits, before adopting CAMEL for in-season farmer support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of the tropical Moringa oleifera Lam. and its desert relative Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori as edible seed-oil and seed-protein crops under Mediterranean conditions was evaluated. Initially, we developed a NIRS (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) method for the analysis of seed weight, and seed-oil and protein contents. We found NIRS to be a relatively accurate method for estimating seed traits of both Moringa species. Comparative analysis of bloom phenology and reproductive success between M. oleifera and M. peregrina , grown under Mediterranean conditions, revealed for M. oleifera a shorter juvenility period and a lower variation in bloom and reproductive traits. Both species bloomed in summer and set fruits in autumn. M. peregrina also bloomed in late autumn and set fruits in spring the following year. Annually, M. oleifera trees produced significantly more flowers and set more fruits. Fruit-set for both species was extremely low (∼0.5–1.5%).  M. oleifera pods were 45% longer, contained 23% more seeds that were 47% lighter with 11% lower oil concentration compared with M. peregrina , resulting in approximately six-fold higher oil and protein yields per plant. In conclusion, M. oleifera was better suited for oil and protein production under Mediterranean conditions as it produced more seeds and in a more predictable and uniform manner. However, since M. peregrina produced larger seeds with higher oil concentrations and was less susceptible to local diseases, future breeding efforts should be concentrated on producing interspecies hybrids resulting in elevated oil production and reduced susceptibility to diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an emerging industrial oilseed crop because of its potential for double cropping, fallow year production, growth on marginal lands, and multiple uses of seed oils and meals. To realize the potential for sustainable production of camelina, a better understanding of how camelina seed oil production and composition respond to low input environments is desired. Phosphorus (P) is one of the least available essential macronutrients to plants with finite worldwide supply. This study investigated seed oil production and lipid composition of camelina in field settings and under greenhouse conditions in response to P deficiency. Lipidomic profiling reveals that P deficiency in field settings triggered extensive leaf lipid remodeling that decreased the ratio of phospholipids to non-P-containing galactolipids from 30% to 5% under P sufficient to deficient conditions. P deficiency increased seed oil content per seed weight by approximately 25% and 20% in field and greenhouse settings, respectively. In addition, P deficiency altered seed fatty acid composition, with increases in monounsaturated 18:1 and 20:1 and decreases in polyunsaturated 18:3. Total seed production was decreased by 10- to 15-fold under P deficiency and the decrease resulted from reduced seed numbers without affecting seed weight. The results from field and greenhouse conditions indicate that P deficiency increases seed oil content, alters fatty acid composition, and decreases greatly seed production, suggesting that achieving a high yield and quality of camelina seed oil is positively linked to P status of soil. [Display omitted] • P deficiency in fields decreased greatly the ratio of phospholipids to galactolipids in leaves. • P deficiency increased seed oil content by 25% and 20% in field and greenhouse settings, respectively. • P deficiency increased monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios in seeds. • The results indicate that P deficiency modifies camelina lipid composition, oil content, and seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the diversification of oilseed-based products, sunflower is a competitive crop for obtaining high oil and protein concentrations; however, both are subject to genotypic and environmental variability. We analyzed individual and interaction effects of nitrogen (N), plant density (D) and genotype (G) in a 2-year field experiment. A set of “sink” (oil, protein, and hull concentrations and quantities) and “source” (leaf area duration, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen and biomass remobilizations) indicators were measured at harvest in a split-split-plot design with contrasting nitrogen (N+: 150 kg ha −1 ; N−: no fertilization), plant density (D1: 3 and D2: 4.5 plants m −2 ) and genotype ( cv . LG5451HO in 2011, cv . Olledy in 2012 and cv . Kerbel in both years) treatments. We found that nitrogen had a significant positive effect on protein concentration and plant density had a positive effect on nitrogen uptake after flowering. Oil concentration was not related to oil weight but was related to plant dry matter at flowering and biomass remobilization. Protein concentration was related to protein weight and nitrogen nutrition index at flowering and to nitrogen uptake and leaf area duration after flowering. Significant interaction effects were identified on sink (N × D, D × G) and source (N × G) indicators in the 2012 experiment, which was only partly explained by differences in initial states at flowering. In this study, the genotype that maximized oil concentration depended on nitrogen and plant density conditions, while the genotype that maximized protein concentration was the same regardless of cropping conditions. We highlight the importance of analyzing effects of determining factors on oil accumulation during grain filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to understand how these organic acids are going to affect on essential oil production in sweet basil. Three concentrations of each citric acid (CA; 0, 4, or 7 mM) and salicylic acid (SA; 0.5 or 1 mM) were applied. We added a standard control for comparison. The first spray was started at 2-leaf stage that was continued with four subsequent sprays in a 15 day interval. The plants were harvested 75 days after sowing the seeds, when they had produced seed. SA in 1 mM concentration caused the maximum of the total essential oil production along with the highest essential oil production by both leaves and stems with an increase of 32.8, 38.3, and 25.8% (respectively) when compared to control treatment. A synergism between 7 mM CA and 1 mM SA was observed in flowering parameters, which yielded the tallest inflorescence in CA 7 SA 1 along with the highest inflorescence count per plant and floret count in main inflorescence. Despite these quantitative improvements in flowering parameters, the thousand seed weight was still at its maximum in this combination, as well. The seed mucilage, on the other hand, increased significantly by foliar application of 0.5 mM SA. Seed oil content responded positively to applied CA, while SA effect was negligible. The results show the potential for using these compounds in manipulation of plant growth and metabolism toward the intended final use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Extravalore project aims to give added value to oilseed crops, considering them also for producing multiple products with the same economic value and being interesting for the market thanks to their various utilizations. An evaluation of the main cultivars of Brassica napus subsp. oleifera and Brassica carinata has been performed within the project, analyzing them in three Italian locations with different climatic conditions (Palazzolo dello Stella – North Italy, Osimo – Central Italy, Cassibile – South Italy) to assay their adaptability and production potential. During the 2010–2013 period, 43 varieties of rapeseed were evaluated, but only 13 of them for all the period considered; moreover, also 4 varieties of B. carinata were tested. The seed yields of tested cultivars of rapeseed varied a lot among locations, depending also by the seasonal trend. Central Italy was the less disadvantaged by climatic conditions: on average, it was reached a seed yield of 4 t ha −1 , a theoretical oil production of 1.63 t ha −1 and more than 8 t ha −1 of crop residues. In Northern and Southern Italy, if compared with Central Italy values, the seed yields were both lower than 30% and theoretical oil productions lower than 60%; moreover, crop residues in Northern Italy were 12% lower than in Central Italy while in Southern Italy 65% lower. The agronomic behavior of varieties differed a lot among the three experimental areas: DK Expower was the best at North; Albatros, Artoga, Exagone and Excalibur in Central Italy; Excalibur, Zoom and PR46W14 at South Italy but none of them reached a seed yield of 2 t ha −1 . Concerning B. carinata , the cultivars did not give good productions in any of the experimental areas, mainly because of the low oil content in the seeds. Even in Central Italy, where the best results were registered, the seed yield was on average 28% lower than in rapeseed and oil production 10% lower; the crop residues were double than rapeseed. In any case, the valorization of the crop residues is important with a wide range of possible utilization from the direct energetic use to the biochemicals extraction with consequent environmental advantages due to the substitution of dedicated or fossil feedstock with crop residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean farmers have a really limited choice for winter crops to put in rotation with cereals, thus creating big challenges for weed and disease management. Crop diversification has undisputable environmental benefits and plays a central role in the agroecological transition toward sustainable and resilient farming systems. Among other crop candidates, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is recently attracting the attention of Mediterranean farmers, due its broad environmental suitability, low input needs, high plant vigor, also in marginal soil conditions, and tolerance to low temperatures. Thus, in the whole Mediterranean basin, safflower could be grown with a winter cycle, differently than sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The availability in the market of high-oleic safflower varieties tremendously enlarges the applications of its oils, easily meeting the needs of the domestic bio-based industry. Aiming at evaluating the feasibility of high-oleic safflower as a winter oilseed crop in the Mediterranean region, a multi-year and multi-location study has been carried out, across multiple growing seasons (2019–2021), at eight locations across Emilia-Romagna (ER) and Tuscany (TU) regions (Italy), traditionally devoted to winter cereal cultivation. In each region, the locations were chosen as representative of optimal, mean, and marginal conditions. The trials were managed as on-farm experiments by local farmers, to define safflower suitability to available equipment and practices. All trials were rainfed and carried out under low input agronomic management and using mechanical weed control. The safflower seed yield was not affected by growing region (grand mean: 1775 kg DM ha‐1), while 1000-seed weight and seed oil content were significantly influenced by growing environment. In particular, safflower produced significantly heavier seeds in Emilia Romagna (40.8 vs. 38.2 g, ER vs. TU, respectively, P ≤ 0.05), while seed oil content was higher in Tuscany (TU vs. ER, 40.3 vs. 36.1% DM respectively, P ≤ 0.05). Safflower confirmed its compositional stability with oleic acid representing > 75% of total fatty acids, but, again, some differences were revealed between regions, with ER having significantly higher oleic acid content than TU (78.8 vs. 75.9%, ER vs. TU, respectively). High oleic safflower, grown in winter, confirmed to be an interesting opportunity for Mediterranean farmers who are willing to differentiate their rotations while producing an oilseed crop with several biobased applications and able to increase local production of vegetable oil and protein. • High-oleic safflower was grown at farm-level in north and central Italy for two consecutive growing seasons. • Oil yield exceeded in the best condition 900 kg ha−1 of oil. • Safflower confirmed its compositional stability with oleic acid representing > 75% of total fatty acids. • High-oleic safflower appeared a promising alternative to winter cereals for Mediterranean farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four genotypes of Brassica napus (cultivars Topas, Sentry and Polo, and the experimental line 04C204) varying in seed oil content (SOC) potential (from 42.2% to 50.0% seed DW) were used to study C and N partitioning among shoots, roots and soil, as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Topas, with lowest SOC potential, had higher biomass accumulation in shoots and roots and higher NUE than 04C204 with the highest SOC potential. Although the absolute amounts of biomass and N accumulated in Topas were greater than in 04C204, the percentage of 13C partitioned to shoots was lower, and the percentage of 15N partitioned to roots was higher. These results imply that SOC may be more associated with the proportions of C and N partitioned between shoots and roots, than with absolute amounts accumulated in these organs. This study also indicates that while Topas fixed the most CO2, it also had the greatest nitrogen fertilizer demand, while 04C204, with the highest SOC potential, had the greatest proportion of whole plant C retained within shoots of all the genotypes. These results suggest that a breeding strategy to optimize B. napus as a biodiesel feedstock may well be selection for maximum SOC at a minimal investment in vegetative biomass (and hence a lower N fertilizer requirement). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fossil fuels are being heavily depleted due to increasing anthropogenic activities worldwide, and burning them contributes to global climate warming and air pollution. Vegetable oils are one of the main feedstocks for biodiesel: they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Rising global population, decreasing arable lands and a decline in crop yields from desertification and salinization demands that biodiesel feedstock be grown on unproductive agricultural lands. To estimate whether five plants growing on such land in China could be used as energy plants, we determined their seed oil content (SOC) and relative fatty acid content, and estimated the cetane number (CN) of the biodiesel produced from these plant oils by a fitted regression between different C18 fatty acids and CN. Results showed that four plants can be developed as energy plants, including Datura candida (SOC = 22.9%, CN = 50.8), Xanthium sibiricum (SOC = 41.9%, CN = 46.5), Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (SOC = 18.6%, CN = 45.9) and Hibiscus trionum (SOC = 17.5%, CN = 46.9). The fifth plant, Rhus typhina, was not adapted as an energy plant because of its low SOC, 9.7%. Our data provide a scientific basis for growing energy plants in unproductive agricultural lands as biodiesel resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evaluation of Jatropha curcas germplasm comprising seven accessions indicated a wide range of variability in vegetative growth and other qualitative attributes. These characteristics could be harnessed in future improvement programme of Jatropha curcas. Seed yield/plant had a positive and significant correlation with number of branches/plant, oil yield, plant spread (r =0.806, 0.802, 0.782), plant spread had a highest correlation with plant height (r =0.840). The seeds analyzed for proximate composition, fatty acid and physiochemical characteristics revealed that fiber and ash content in seed flour were high (16.5% and 4.35%). Oil content varied from 24.5% to 37.9%. The lower value of the viscosity suggests it as diesel oil. Accession JC006 could be an alternative source of linoleic acid (51%) while the accession JC001 could be a source for oleic acid (48%) and linoleic acid 42.4%. Stearic acid was highest in accession JC003 (42.9%).This evaluation has helped to identify cultivar with specific yield and vegetative growth features. Among all the seven accession evaluated accession JC007 is found to be promising which could be taken as productive genotype for commercial exploitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was aimed to investigate dual effects of irrigation regimes and N fertilizer rates on some agronomic traits (with emphasis on yield qualitative and quantitative characteristics) and finding optimized irrigation level and N application rate for two canola (Brassic napus L.) cultivars. For this purpose, two variety of canola (Zarfam and Modena), four irrigation regimes including 30%, 45%, 60% and 75% (I1–I4) of maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil water (ASW) and four nitrogen rates (viz. 0, 90, 180 and 270kg Nha−1 (N1–N4) were involved in Karaj, Iran for two successive years (2007–2008). Our results revealed special fertilizer threshold for each irrigation regime in respect to seed yield. Response rate to fertilizers was ceased in lower fertilizer rates by prolonging irrigation. The response rate showed a decrease of 15.4%, 17.2% and 30.7% in I2, I3 and I4 in comparison with I1, but I2 response to fertilizer ceased in higher N rate as Ncritical (189.8kg Nha−1). This implies that I2 improved response of canola cultivars to N fertilizer, which was accompanied by its higher WUE. Also, all estimated Ncriticals for all irrigation levels were higher than the current recommendation of 130kg Nha−1. This show the capability of increasing canola cultivars yield in study region by reasonable increasing of fertilizer rate (decreasing gap between recommended N rate and estimated values) in advisable irrigation regime (I2). Cultivars tended to respond similarly to irrigation and nitrogen for seed yield in both years, but Zarfam was more efficient than Modena in respect to response to diverse treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects that plant growth regulators (PGRs) have on seed production of Jatropha curcas when they are used for chemical pruning. In the subsequent year, following a single foliar application of PGRs, flowering, fruit set, fruit characteristics, seed total oil content and oil free fatty acid (FFA) content were evaluated. The number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per bunch, fruit- and seed characteristics and seed oil content were significantly affected by the different treatments. However, there were no variations in the degree of fruit set or oil FFA content. A single foliar application of N6-benzyladenine produced more flowers per plant, more fruits per bunch, heavier and bigger fruits and seeds with more oil compared to manual pruning. Treatment with 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid yielded more flowers per plant and heavier fruits with a higher oil content than the control and manually pruned plants. Treatment with 2,3:4,6-di-O-isopropylidene-2-keto-l-gulonic acid yielded similar results. More fruits per bunch and more seeds per fruit were also produced. Maleic hydrazide treatment yielded more flowers per plant, heavier and bigger fruits with more, heavier, oil rich seeds compared to the control and manual pruning. This study indicates that foliar application of PGRs as chemical pruners in J. curcas may have a sequential effect in boosting seed production, seed oil content and improves fruit quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• 38 soybean genes promising candidates for soybean seed oil content and quality are reported. • Transcription factor interaction maps help us to discover potential regulators of oil biosynthesis. • 157 soybean genes are shared by Meta-QTL, GWAS and selective sweep regions for oil-related traits. • Oil and protein hotspots are strongly associated with breeding. Soybean is a major source of edible protein and oil. Oil content is a quantitative trait that is significantly determined by genetic and environmental factors. Over the past 30 years, a large volume of soybean genetic, genomic, and transcriptomic data have been accumulated. Nevertheless, integrative analyses of such data remain scarce, in spite of their importance for crop improvement. We hypothesized that the co-occurrence of genomic regions for oil-related traits in different studies may reveal more stable regions encompassing important genetic determinants of oil content and quality in soybean. We integrated publicly available data, obtained with distinct techniques, to discover and prioritize candidate genes involved in oil biosynthesis and regulation in soybean. We detected key fatty acid biosynthesis genes (e.g., BCCP2 and ACCase, FADs, KAS family proteins) and several transcription factors, which are likely regulators of oil biosynthesis. In addition, we identified new candidates for seed oil accumulation and quality, such as Glyma.03G213300 and Glyma.19G160700, which encode a translocator protein homolog and a histone acetyltransferase, respectively. Further, oil and protein genomic hotspots are strongly associated with breeding and not with domestication, suggesting that soybean domestication prioritized other traits. The genes identified here are promising targets for breeding programs and for the development of soybean lines with increased oil content and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A genomic sequence encoding a polypeptide with 91% sequence identity to the Lesquerella fendleri bifunctional oleate 12-hydroxylase:desaturase was amplified by PCR from Lesquerella lindheimeri. Expression of the gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in the synthesis of ricinoleic acid and very low levels of di-unsaturated fatty acids. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of the L. lindheimeri and castor bean oleate 12-hydroxylase enzymes to those of the L. fendleri bifunctional oleate 12-hydroxylase:desaturase and oleate 12-desaturase enzymes from 32 diverse species identified a single amino acid (M295) that was conserved in the hydroxylases and different but also conserved in the desaturases and the bifunctional enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that this residue was most likely not involved in determining the catalytic outcome of the hydroxylation/desaturation reaction. Transformation of an Arabidopsis fad2/fae1 mutant line with the L. lindheimeri hydroxylase gave further evidence that this enzyme, like the castor oleate 12-hydroxylase, is primarily a fatty acid hydroxylase and should not be considered bifunctional. Total hydroxy fatty acid content of up to 18% of seed fatty acids was measured in homozygous transformants. Lines with the highest hydroxy fatty acid content showed significant reduction in total oil content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Joelle winter camelina adapted well to diverse environmental conditions. • Above and belowground biomass was 1.7 times greater in Italy than USA. • Warmer Mediterranean winter temperatures promoted camelina productivity. • Seed yield and oil content were greater in Italy, but protein was greater in USA. A need exists across Europe and the USA for alternative crops to help diversify agricultural systems and promote ecosystem services. Winter camelina is a multipurpose oilseed crop that can be incorporated with staple crops to add biodiversity and other environmental benefits. Little is known about winter camelina productivity across diverse environments, and even less is known about its rooting characteristics under different soils and climates. Therefore, a field study was conducted at Bologna Italy and Morris, Minnesota USA over two growing seasons while applying two seeding rates (500 and 250 seeds m−2) and two sowing dates (early and late) to evaluate the above and belowground productivity of Joelle winter camelina. Winter camelina growth was highly influenced by environmental conditions. Seed yield and oil content were considerably greater at Bologna, averaging 1518 kg ha-1 and 419 g kg-1, respectively, as compared with Morris, which averaged 743 kg ha-1 and 385 g kg-1 during the study. The milder climate of northern Italy was associated with prolonged vegetative growth during winter resulting in root and shoot biomass 1.7-fold greater than in Morris. Plant density at harvest tended to be greater at Bologna but had a negligible effect on productivity at either location. Sowing date only affected seed oil content at Morris, where it was greater in the later sowing. Results confirmed that winter camelina is highly adaptable and can serve as a viable crop in a Mediterranean as well as temperate climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]