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Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a tree of the Punicaceae family that is widespread all over the world and has several types and therapeutic uses. The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds by GC analysis and carried out physical characterization of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The pomegranate seed oil was extracted, and its self-nanoemulsifying system was then prepared. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC, and physical characterization was established of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The GC–MS analysis revealed that punicic acid, β-eleosteric acid, catalpic acid, α-eleosteric acid, and oleic acid were the most predominant compounds in pomegranate seed oil. Other active compounds like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and α-linolenic acid were detected in trace percentages. The self-nanoemulsifying system was prepared using various concentrations of surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Span 80), and pomegranate seed oil. The selected formulation had a PDI of 0.229 ± 0.09 and a droplet size of 189.44 ± 2.1 nm. The free radical scavenging activity of pomegranate seed oil, the self-emulsifying system, and Trolox was conducted using DPPH. The oil-self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent antioxidant activity compared to Trolox. Also, pomegranate oil inhibited α-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 354.81 ± 2.3 µg/ml. The oil self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent activity compared to acarbose and had a weaker IC50 value (616.59 ± 2.1 µg/ml) and a potent IC50 value (43.65 ± 1.9 µg/ml) compared to orlistat.Pomegranate seed oil self-nanoemulsifying system could be applied in the future for the preparation of possible oral medications for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity due to its high activity against free radical, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to pomegranate seed oil itself and the references used. This study reveals that self-nanoemulsion systems can enhance oil drug formulations by improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, acting as drug reservoirs, and facilitating efficient oil release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Brassicaceae family, a glucosinolate-myrosinase-based system exists against herbivory Glucosinolate-Myrosinase system is differentially compartmentalized but substrate glucosinolate enter in contact with the enzyme myrosinase when plant tissues are attacked by insects. The glucosinolate breakdown into a variety of biologically active toxins further deterrenting the herbivory of different chewing and sucking insect pests. The myrosinase enzyme present is in myrosin cells were genetically removed from B. napus plant during the seed development. These genetically modified myrosin cells free plants are known as MINELESS plant. Genetically modified oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was produced by removing toxic mines. Here, we evaluauted the tritrophic interaction between Brassica napus wildtype and genetically modified and polyphagous pest Spodoptera. In force feeding experiment, larval growth of S. exigua was slow and gained less weight on MINELESS seedlings as compared to wild-type seedling. Additionally, highest amount of total glucosinolate was found in MINELESS control than that of wild type control. Myrosinase activity was not affected by the S. exigua feeding on the MINELESS plants. However, reduced activity of myrosinase was observed in the wild-type seedlings. Moreover, the S. exigua induced the concentration of tryptophan derived glucosinolate (indol-3-yl-methyl, 1-methoxy-indol-3-yl-methyl) that was found slightly higher in MINELESS seedlings than on wild-type seedling. Feeding of S. exigua deregulated the level of glucosinolate hydrolysis products in both types of plants. Transcriptional data after S. exigua feeding on wildtype and MINELESS showed differential response of methyl jasmonate and glucosinolate responsive genes were observed. We also observed that after methyl jasmonate treatment, methyl jasmonate and glucosinolate responsive genes were incease in the wild-type and MINELESS seedlings showing their negative effect on the growth of S. exigua. Overall, generalist insect results are interesting by considering the function of myrosin cells and binary defense system. Further, same experiment should be performed against generalist and specialist insect herbivores of above- and below-ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the oil amounts, bioactive components, fatty acid profiles and element quantities of the date kernels (Osailah, Rothanh Qassim, Rushudiah, Nabtat‐Ali, Sbakah) were determined. The oil quantities of the date seeds were altered to be between 3.50 (Osailah) and 5.55% (Nabtat‐Ali). The total phenolic quantities of the seeds were assigned to be between 330.83 (Rothanh Qassim) to 365.42 mg GAE/100 g (Osailah) while antioxidant activities of date seeds are assessed to be between 13.89 (Rothanh Qassim) and 38.74% (Nabtat‐Ali). The total flavonoid quantities of the date seeds were displayed to be between 4824.83 (Osailah) and 9133.17 mg/100 g (Sbakah). The (+)‐ Catechin and 1,2‐dihydroxy benzene quantities of the date seeds were established to be between 75.01 (Rothanh Qassim) and 186.02 mg/100 g (Sbakah) to 67.43 (Rothanh Qassim) and 199.89 mg/100 g (Sbakah), respectively. Oleic acid amounts of the seed oils were altered to be between 45.89 (Rothanh Qassim) and 52.55% (Nabtat‐Ali). K, P, S, Ca and Mg were the key minerals of the date seeds. Considering the bioactive components, polyphenol contents, fatty acid composition and mineral content of date kernels, it is thought that date kernel powders can be added to some foods as a food supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut is a significant oilseed crop that is often affected by peanut southern blight, a disease that greatly reduces crop yield and quality. Therefore, accurate and timely monitoring of this disease is crucial to ensure crop safety and minimize the need for pesticides. Spectral features combined with texture features have been widely applied in plant disease monitoring. However, previous studies have mostly used original texture features, and its combination form has been rarely considered. This study presents a novel approach for monitoring peanut southern blight, integrating multiple spectral indices and textural indices (TIs). Firstly, a total of 20 vegetation indices (VIs) were extracted from the unmanned aerial vehicle multispectral images, while three TIs were constructed based on original textural features. Subsequently, Otsu-CIgreen algorithm was used to find the optimal threshold to eliminate the complex background of the image. Lastly, monitoring models for peanut southern blight were constructed using three machine learning models based on the screened VIs, VIs combined with TIs. Among these models, the K-nearest neighbor model using VIs combined with TIs demonstrates the best performance, with accuracy and F1 score on the test set reaching 91.89% and 91.39% respectively. The results indicate that the monitoring models utilizing VIs and TIs were more effective compared to models using only VIs. This approach provides valuable insights for non-destructive and accurate monitoring of peanut southern blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plenodomus lingam (Leptosphaeria maculans) and P. biglobosus (L. biglobosa) are fungi causing Phoma leaf spot/stem canker, an international damaging disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and other brassicas. In Europe, fungicides used for disease management are mainly sterol 14α‐demethylase (CYP51) inhibitors (DMIs/azoles); quinone‐outside inhibitors (QoIs) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) are also used. Decreased DMI sensitivity has emerged in Australian and eastern European P. lingam populations and is mediated by CYP51 promoter inserts resulting in target site overexpression. In this study using in vitro sensitivity testing, we report decreased DMI (prothioconazole‐desthio, mefentrifluconazole) sensitivity in modern western European P. lingam isolates (collected 2022–2023) compared to older baseline (1992–2005) isolates. Around 85% of modern western European P. lingam isolates collected, for which the CYP51 promoter region was sequenced, carried a promoter insert, but target site alterations were not detected. Six different CYP51 promoter inserts were identified, most commonly a 237 bp fragment of the Sahana transposable element. Inserts were associated with an approximately 3‐ to 10‐fold decrease in sensitivity to the DMIs tested. In contrast to P. lingam, PCR screening revealed CYP51 promoter inserts were absent in modern western European P. biglobosus isolates (2021–2023). Combined data indicate P. lingam isolates lacking an insert were similarly (or slightly more) sensitive to the DMIs tested for P. biglobosus, whereas those carrying an insert were slightly less sensitive than P. biglobosus. No evidence for substantive sensitivity shifts to the QoI (pyraclostrobin) or SDHI (boscalid) fungicides tested was obtained for either Plenodomus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rape (Brassica napus L.) is an essential source of edible oil. The growing demand for rapeseed oil seeks to devise nutrient management strategies to lessen the gap between actual and potential yields. A field experiment was investigated at MRCFC, SKUAST-Kashmir, focusing on the best nutrient management practice for realizing higher yield in Brassica napus, using the nutrient omission plot technique. The yield and yield components of oil seed rape responded significantly to nutrient omissions. Treatments comprising NPKS + FYM, NPKS, NPK, NP, PK, NK, and control with three replications were carried out in randomized block design. Significantly, the highest seed yield of 1250 kg ha−1 was registered with NPKS + FYM, with a yield superiority of 143% over control. In terms of yield attributes, the number of pods plant−1 was the key contributor to yield. Response toward the nutrients followed the order of N > P > S > K. Application of FYM was observed to increase the efficiency of accompanying nutrient particularly for P (6.6%). Combined application of the nutrients leads to improvement in the nutrient efficiency of major nutrients evaluated in terms of agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency, and apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) efficiency. Based on the outcome of the results, balanced application of chemical fertilizers in combination with FYM seems to be pivotal for harnessing the potential of individual nutrients toward achieving higher yield in Brassica napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado oil is rich in nutrients beneficial to human health, such as monounsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherol, and carotenoids, with numerous possibilities for application in industry. This review explores, through a comparative approach, the effectiveness of the supercritical oil extraction process as an alternative to the conventional cold-pressing method, evaluating the differences in the extraction process steps through the effect of temperature and operating pressure on bioactive quality and oil yield. The results reveal that supercritical avocado oil has a yield like that of mechanical cold pressing and superior functional and bioactive quality, especially in relation to α-tocopherol and carotenoids. For better use and efficiency of the supercritical technology, the maturation stage, moisture content, fruit variety, and collection period stand out as essential factors to be observed during pre-treatment, as they directly impact oil yield and nutrient concentration. In addition, the use of supercritical technology enables the full use of the fruit, significantly reducing waste, and adds value to the agro-industrial residues of the process. It produces an edible oil free of impurities, microorganisms, and organic solvents. It is a green, environmentally friendly technology with long-term environmental and economic advantages and an interesting alternative in the avocado market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become one of the most serious chronic diseases threatening human health. Its onset and progression are closely related to the intestinal microbiota, as disruption of the intestinal flora promotes the production of endotoxins and induces an inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate the variations in the physicochemical properties of various refined tea seed oils and their impact on intestinal microbiota disorders induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) through dietary intervention. In the present study, C57BL/6J mice on a HFD were randomly divided into three groups: HFD, T-TSO, and N-TSO. T-TSO and N-TSO mice were given traditionally refined and optimized tea seed oil for 12 weeks. The data revealed that tea seed oil obtained through degumming at 70 °C, deacidification at 50 °C, decolorization at 90 °C, and deodorization at 180 °C (at 0.06 MPa for 1 h) effectively removed impurities while minimizing the loss of active ingredients. Additionally, the optimized tea seed oil mitigated fat accumulation and inflammatory responses resulting from HFD, and reduced liver tissue damage in comparison to traditional refining methods. More importantly, N-TSO can serve as a dietary supplement to enhance the diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota, increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria (norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides) while reducing pathogenic bacteria (Alistipes and Mucispirillum). Therefore, in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice, N-TSO can better ameliorate obesity compared with a T-TSO diet, which is promising in alleviating HFD-induced intestinal microbiota disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of bioactive substances, which may protect triacylglycerols from degradation during frying. Nevertheless, these substances may decompose under high temperature. This work considers the content of bioactive substances in blends and their changes during high-temperature heating. Blends of refined rapeseed oil with 5% or 25% in one of three cold-pressed oils (rapeseed, coriander and apricot) were heated at 170 or 200 °C in a thin layer on a pan. All non-heated blends and cold-pressed oils were tested for fatty acid profile, content and composition of phytosterols, tocochromanols, chlorophyll and radical scavenging activity (RSA) analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the stability of phytosterols, tocochromanols, DPPH and ABTS values was determined in heated blends. All tocochromanols were lost during the heating process, in particular, at 200 °C. However, there were some differences between homologues. α-Tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were the most thermolabile and the most stable, respectively. Phytosterols were characterized by very high stability at both temperatures. We observed relationships between ABTS and DPPH values and contents of total tocochromanols and α-tocopherol. The obtained results may be useful in designing a new type of fried food with improved health properties and it may be the basis for further research on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borage seed oil (BSO; Borago officinalis L.) has great medicinal and nutritional potential owing to its bioactive components. In this study, we compared the lipid composition, micronutrient content, free radical scavenging capacities, and cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of BSO from eight provinces in China. The Gansu sample had the highest levels of γ‐linolenic acid, accounting for 18.66%. We detected more than 17 triacylglycerols in BSO. Among micronutrients, δ‐tocopherol and Δ5‐avenasterol were the main components of tocopherol and phytosterol, respectively. The highest cellular antioxidant activity values were found in the Shanxi and Gansu samples; the concentration cytotoxicity 50% values were higher than 200 mg/mL, and the median effective dose ranged from 18.34 ± 0.52 to 70.65 ± 1.76 mg/mL. In addition, we tested the free radical scavenging capacity of BSO and found significant differences in antioxidant capacity between samples from different regions, and the Gansu sample had a better antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop with significant economic importance in many developing countries. This study rigorously investigated the impact of various applications and doses of two specific plant growth regulators, paclobutrazol (PAC) and mepiquat chloride (MC), on the development, yield components, oil content, and fatty acid composition of sesame plants across two consecutive growing seasons. The research revealed that while paclobutrazol application increased the plant height it also resulted in a slight decrease in oil content. The paclobutrazol treatment resulted in the highest seed yield (21.3 g/plant), which was significantly different from both the MC (13.1 g/plant) and PAC + MC (14.6 g/plant) treatments. In contrast, the mepiquat chloride treatment resulted in the lowest oil content. The combined application of both regulators showed intermediate effects. In addition, variations in fatty acid content were observed between applications and doses, with significant differences in saturated and unsaturated fatty acid levels. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and implications of using growth regulators in sesame cultivation, especially in the context of mechanized harvesting and oil quality optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of two-year research on the dependence of a complex of quantitative and qualitative indicators of oil flax seed yield of Southern Night and Vodohray varieties, as well as seed sowing conditions on the methods and regimes of combine harvesting of the crop. The direct single-phase method of combine harvesting did not lag behind the control in terms of seed productivity per plant or M1000 indicator. Harvesting according to the two-phase scheme had a significant negative impact on the formation of these indicators: the M1000 indicator decreased by 0.5 g or 7.1% compared to the control, and the seed mass per plant decreased by 0.06 g or 15.4%. Pre-harvest desiccation in the single-phase method also negatively affected the formation of these indicators: when using Reglone Super, the M1000 indicator decreased by 0.7 g, Roundup by 1.0 g compared to the control; seed productivity per plant decreased by 0.07 and 0.1 g, respectively. The oil flax yield with direct single-phase harvesting was lower than the control by 0.03 t/ha or 2.1% (Southern Night variety) and by 0.04 t/ha or 3.0% (Vodohray variety). Additional desiccation of crops significantly reduced seed yield. When using Reglone Super desiccant, this reduction was 0.06-0.09 t/ha (4.5-6.4%), Roundup - 0.10-0.13 t/ha (7.5-9.2%). The two-phase harvesting method yielded lower seed yield compared to the control by 0.10 t/ha (7.1%) when growing the Southern Night variety and by 0.08 t/ha (6.0%) when growing the Vodohray variety. The oil content of seeds of both flax varieties did not differ from the control with single-phase harvesting. Desiccation of crops during single-phase harvesting led to a significant decrease in crude fat content in seeds - by 0.7-0.9% (Southern Night variety) and 0.5-0.9% (Vodohray variety). Two-phase harvesting when growing the Southern Night variety contributed to a decrease in seed oil content by 0.5%, while it did not affect this quality indicator when growing the Vodohray variety. Laboratory germination similarity and energy reached maximum values in the control and in variants of direct singlephase harvesting without desiccation of crops - 96.2 and 88.5-88.7%, respectively. Other studied methods and regimes of harvesting worsened the sowing conditions of oil flax seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala L.) is a major pest of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in the UK and low availability of effective chemical control has increased the need for integrated pest management approaches. The risk of OSR to lodging is strongly related to stem strength, however, the impact of CSFB larval tunnelling on stem strength and subsequent risk to stem lodging is unknown. The study investigated this by applying the Generalised Crop Lodging Model to conventionally grown OSR crops scored for varying levels of CSFB larval tunnelling. Lodging risk mitigation strategies including plant growth regulators (PGR) and varying nitrogen regimes were tested under high CSFB larval pressure. RESULTS: Stems of OSR plants were categorised by the proportion of visual damage (< 5%; 5–25%; 26–50%; 51–75%; 75–100%). Stems of 26–50% damage had significantly lower breaking strengths and diameters compared to plants that scored < 5%, with the associated reduction in stem failure windspeed equivalent to an order of magnitude increase in the risk of a lodging event occurring in the UK. PGR use reduced plant height and subsequently lodging risk variably across the sites. CONCLUSION: Estimating the proportion of stem tunnelling alongside larval pressure may be a useful tool in considering the contribution of CSFB pressure to lodging risk. The research demonstrates that the use of canopy management principles to optimise canopy size through nitrogen management and PGR use may help offset increased lodging risk caused by CSFB tunnelling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Para rubber seed oil was indicated for skin dullness and hair loss in regard to its cutaneous beneficial fatty acids. Nonetheless, the oil's potency against photoaging remains unexplored. We proposed that para rubber seed oil could alleviate photoaging.Para rubber seed oil was investigated in cocultures of human HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Photoaging protectant efficiency was monitored in terms of IL‐6 and IL‐8 as well as MMP‐1 (collagenase) and MMP‐9 (gelatinase) in a comparison with its fatty acid components.Para rubber seed oil standardized in fatty acids was indicated as the promising plant oil for photoaging treatment. Its photoprotection mechanism was demonstrated in the coculture system of keratinocyte and fibroblast cells for the first time. Where the oil and its fatty acid constituents (100 μg/mL) were indicated to be safe and efficiently protect the cocultures against UV damage. The oil significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed UV‐induced IL‐6, IL‐8, MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 secretions. The revealed photoprotection proficiency was abided by its fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated C18 ones.The oil was indicated on its potential to maintain skin homeostasis and would alleviate senescence ageing in regard to its photoprotection abilities exhibited. Para rubber seed oil is warranted as a new generation of photoaging protectant agent with the profiled safety and efficacy demonstrated in the epidermal coculture system. The findings encourage the development of innovative anti‐ageing products containing the oil, which is categorizable as a sustainable specialty material for photoaging treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) pose a significant health burden, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. This study aims to develop and characterize nanomicelles for the codelivery of posaconazole and hemp seed oil for IFI via the oral route. The nanomicelles were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method and optimized through the Box Behnken design. The optimized nanomicelles resulted in satisfactory results for zeta potential, size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, TEM, and stability studies. FTIR and DSC results confirm the compatibility and amorphous state of the prepared nanomicelles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the optimized nanomicelles penetrated the tissue more deeply (44.9µm) than the suspension (25µm). The drug-loaded nanomicelles exhibited sustained cumulative drug release of 95.48 ± 3.27% for 24 h. The nanomicelles showed significant inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans (22.4 ± 0.21 and 32.2 ± 0.46 mm, respectively). The pharmacokinetic study on Wistar rats exhibited a 1.8-fold increase in relative bioavailability for the nanomicelles compared to the suspension. These results confirm their therapeutic efficacy and lay the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, providing a promising synergistic antifungal nanomicelles approach for treating IFIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centaurea thracica (Janka) Hayek is a plant common in southern Bulgaria. The inflorescences were collected during June and September 2021, while their seeds were obtained in September 2021. The chemical and lipid composition of the inflorescences during the vegetation process of the plant were established. A significant decrease in total proteins (from 8.7 to 7.4%), glyceride oils (2.0–1.7%), and ash (4.5–4.2%) content was observed, while the amount of carbohydrates (72.3–77.2%) and fibers (28.7–35.8%) increased. During the vegetation of the plant, the content of oleic and linoleic acids increased up to 2–3 times, while the level of palmitic acid decreased. The lipids from the seeds were rich in oleic (53.0%) and palmitic (36.2%) acids. The tocopherol content in the oils of the inflorescences during vegetation increased from 58 to 110 mg/kg, and the content in the oil from the seeds was 260 mg/kg. The phospholipid content decreased during vegetation, and differences were observed in the composition between the inflorescences and the seeds. The high content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, tocopherols, and phospholipids determine the nutritional and biological value of the oils isolated from Centaurea thracica, and contribute to their potential use in various directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) is the major enzyme that synthesizes triacylglycerols (TAG) during Arabidopsis seed development. Mutant dgat1 seeds possess low oil content in addition to a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition. Two genes encoding endoplasmic reticulum localized desaturase enzymes, fatty acid desaturase2 (FAD2) and fatty acid desaturase3 (FAD3), were upregulated in both dgat1‐1 and dgat1‐2 developing seeds. Crosses between both dgat1 mutant alleles and fad2‐1 failed to generate plants homozygous for both dgat1 and fad2. Reciprocal crosses with wild‐type plants demonstrated that both male and female dgat1 fad2 gametophytes were viable. Siliques from DGAT1/dgat1‐1 fad2‐1/fad2‐1 and dgat1‐1/dgat1‐1 FAD2/fad2‐1 possessed abnormal looking seeds that were arrested in the torpedo growth stage. Approximately 25% of the seeds exhibited this arrested phenotype, genetically consistent with them possessing the double homozygous dgat1 fad2 genotype. In contrast, double homozygous dgat1‐1 fad3‐2 mutant plants were viable. Seeds from these plants possessed higher levels of 18:2 while their fatty acid content was lower than dgat1 mutant controls. The results are consistent with a model where in the absence of DGAT1 activity, desaturation of fatty acids by FAD2 becomes essential to provide PUFA substrates for phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) to synthesize TAG. In a dgat1 fad2 mutant, seed development is aborted because TAG is unable to be synthesized by either DGAT1 or PDAT. Significance Statement: Arabidopsis diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 mutants, defective in their ability to synthesize triacylglycerols (TAG), upregulate fatty acid desaturase2 (FAD2) during seed development, resulting in seed oil with increased polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Double dgat1 fad2 mutants are synthetically lethal due to embryo arrest at the torpedo stage, consistent with a model where enhanced fatty acid desaturation is required to provide substrate for an alternative TAG biosynthetic enzyme, phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the environmental ambition of 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy in France. Since conditionality and agri-environment-climate measures are only marginally improved relative to the previous period, attention is focused on the new environmental instrument of the eco-scheme that in France targets the whole farm. Results suggest low environmental progress since almost all French farms would reach the standard level of the eco-scheme by one of the three access paths with unchanged farming practices, and 85% of them would reach the superior level. The percentage of farms at the superior level would be lower for farms specialized in annual crops than for cattle farms. We then show that the payment difference of €20 per hectare between the standard and superior level is probably insufficient for farms specialized in cereals, oilseeds and protein crops to offset the additional cost of the change in farm practices required to move from the standard to the superior level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Enhancing maize kernel oil is vital for improving the bioavailability of fat‐soluble vitamins. Here, we combined favourable alleles of dgat1‐2 and fatb into parental lines of four multi‐nutrient‐rich maize hybrids (APTQH1, APTQH4, APTQH5 and APTQH7) using marker‐assisted selection (MAS). Parental lines possessed favourable alleles of crtRB1, lcyE, vte4 and opaque2 genes. Gene‐specific markers enabled successful foreground selection in BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC2F2, while background selection using genome‐wide microsatellite markers (127–132) achieved 93% recurrent parent genome recovery. Resulting inbreds exhibited significantly higher oil (6.93%) and oleic acid (OA, 40.49%) and lower palmitic acid (PA, 14.23%) compared to original inbreds with elevated provitamin A (11.77 ppm), vitamin E (16.01 ppm), lysine (0.331%) and tryptophan (0.085%). Oil content significantly increased from 4.80% in original hybrids to 6.73% in reconstituted hybrids, making them high‐oil maize hybrids. These hybrids displayed 35.70% increment in oil content and 51.56% increase in OA with 36.32% reduction in PA compared to original hybrids, while maintaining higher provitamin A (two‐fold), vitamin E (nine‐fold), lysine (two‐fold) and tryptophan (two‐fold) compared to normal hybrids. Lipid health indices showed improved atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, cholesterolaemic, oxidability, peroxidizability and nutritive values in MAS‐derived genotypes over original versions. Besides, the MAS‐derived inbreds and hybrids exhibited comparable grain yield and phenotypic characteristics to the original versions. The maize hybrids developed in the study possessed high‐yielding ability with high kernel oil and OA, low PA, better fatty acid health and nutritional properties, higher multi‐vitamins and balanced amino acids, which hold immense significance to address malnutrition and rising demand for oil sustainably in a fast‐track manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera, a widely recognized plant more commonly known as moringa, has obtained significant research interest in recent years due to its prospective physiological advantages, including its claimed ability to counteract carcinogenesis. The moringa plant has been found to possess bioactive components that exhibit promising anticancer activities against different human cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. The cytotoxic properties of moringa seed extracts on cancerous cells have also been provided in this paper along with other notable health benefits. The extracts derived from moringa seeds inhibit cancer proliferation and promote cancer cell apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways. They also stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and subsequently induced caspase‐3 activity. The impact of moringin and avenanthramide 2f on the stimulation of caspases 2, 4, 8, and 9 results in reduction in the proliferation of cancer cells. The results reported by research studies hold significant implications for identifying and targeting specific molecular entities that could serve as potential therapeutic targets in search of effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, the flavonoids in moringa seed can remove mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, protecting beta cells and bringing hyperglycemia under control. M. oleifera seed oil can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases via reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and modulation of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the noteworthy discoveries derived from a rigorous investigation that explored into the impact of moringa seeds on the prevention/reduction of various cancers and other complex diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulatory effects of foliar application of moringa dried leaf extract (MDLE) at different growth stages were evaluated on soybean growth, physiology and productivity in a bioassay. The experiment comprised of two factors; foliar application of MDLE [T1: Water spray, T2: 0.5% w/v, T3: 1.0% and T4: 1.5%] and growth stages for foliar application, viz. S1: Vegetative stage (V4, four leaf stage) and S2: Reproductive stage (R1: onset of flowering). Foliar application of MDLE increased the growth, physiological, biochemical, yield and quality attributes of soybean. Notably, the application of 1.5% MDLE at the reproductive stage led to impressive boosts in seedling weight, chlorophyll contents, plant height, pod formation and seed yield. This concentration demonstrated the highest surge in gas exchange attributes and quality components like seed oil and protein contents. Significant increase in growth attributes (10–22%), photosynthetic pigments (7–10%), gas exchange attributes (21%), quality attributes (5–8%) and seed yield (27%) was recorded with 1.5% MDLE application. It is ascertained that the application of 1.5% MDLE at the reproductive stage improves soybean growth, yield and quality. This research provides quantitative confirmation of MDLE foliar application, emphasising its potential role as a natural growth enhancer for soybean crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Apium graveolens L. (celery seed oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concluded that the use of celery seed oil is of no concern up to the following concentrations in complete feed: 1.6 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 2.3 mg/kg for laying hens, 2.1 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 2.8 mg/kg for piglets, 3.3 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 4.1 mg/kg for sows, 6.5 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 6.2 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 4.0 mg/kg for dairy cows, 2.5 mg/kg for rabbits, 6.8 mg/kg for salmonids and 7.2 mg/kg for dogs. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For cats, ornamental fish and other species, no conclusion can be drawn. The use of celery seed oil in animals feed is not expected to pose concern for the consumers and for the environment. The additive under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to perillaldehyde and bergapten may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since A. graveolens and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing human population and food shortage are fueling the demand for alternative feed resources for animals not meant for human consumption. Oil seeds and their derivatives are suitable options to meet the escalating global demand for animal feed proteins; camelina is one of them. Camelina sativa (CS), an ancient oilseed crop belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is known for its resistance to drought and cold, as well as its various uses for meal, oil, and other products. However, it also has some anti-nutritional factors (ANF) that can limit its use as animal feed. These ANFs can be reduced by various methods, such as enzyme addition, heat treatment, fermentation, or genetic engineering. CS and its by-products can affect animal metabolism, especially lipid metabolism and hormone levels, and can also improve the fat profile of meat and milk products, making them more suitable for human consumption and health. CS and its by-products achieved weight gain and protected dietary PUFAs, but decreased bio-hydrogenation intermediates. Small ruminants fed CS-supplemented diets produced meat with a suitable fat profile for human consumption. Feeding with CS seeds and derivatives decreased milk fat concentration, yield, and fat-corrected milk. Camelina forage, however, increased the milk fat percentage. The effects of CS and its by-products on milk fatty acid composition were contradictory. CS meals may improve the composition of milk products, making them healthier for humans. Researchers need to determine how CS meals can be used in dairy ewe and goat diets at different life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil plants play an important role in human or animal nutrition and are also an valuable source of raw material for industrial sector. They are also functional with the rich nutritional contents. Vegetable oil production in the world is covered from mainly palm oil and then soybean, rapeseed and sunflower. In Turkey, the majority of oilseed and vegetable oil production are obtained from sunflower. Besides cottonseed, soybean, rapeseed, safflower, olive and corn plants are used for producing vegetable oils. But the most cultivated and produced one is sunflower. The high edible oil quality of sunflower ensure more consumption. In Turkey, only sunflower meets 69% of production of vegetable oil, 84% of total oil consumption, 32% of total oil usage. Since the sunflower oil production does not meet the consumption, a large part of the sunflower oil demands are imported. The purpose of this review is to reveal the importance sunflower oil within oilseed plants and its role in overcoming oil deficiency in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Costic acid is a sesquiterpene phytoalexin with acaricidal activity against Varroa destructor and antitrypanosomal activity. A concise and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of β-costic acid via the allylic oxidation of β-selinene, a component of celery seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non‐Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%–24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%–12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%–11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%–10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%–4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424–760 mg kg−1) and phytosterol content (3422–4827 mg kg−1), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, γ‐tocotrienol, and δ‐tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non‐Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies. Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn oil is a major agricultural commodity, and it is a staple in kitchens worldwide. This comprehensive review aims to provide a holistic understanding of corn oil processing, composition, nutritional benefits, properties, and market dynamics. The processing of corn oil poses challenges in achieving optimal extraction efficiency while addressing environmental concerns. Currently, hexane‐extracted corn oil dominates the market, with cold‐pressed corn oil being a niche product. Ongoing efforts within the industry focus on exploring alternative, environmentally friendly extraction methods such as critical CO2 and enzymatic‐assisted extraction. Corn oil is recognized for its rich composition in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, tocopherol content, and potential antioxidant benefits. However, its high omega‐6 fatty acid content, while contributing to its stability, has raised discussions about its potential impact on inflammatory responses when consumed excessively. Due to its high smoke point, corn oil is suitable for high‐temperature cooking without compromising its neutral taste. Yet, its oxidation stability is lower compared to other commercial oils. Relying on oleic‐rich varieties or incorporating antioxidants could help enhance its stability and mitigate potential oxidative concerns. In the future, advancements in processing technologies promise to elevate the nutritional profile of corn oil, aligning it with the evolving preferences of health‐conscious consumers and addressing sustainability concerns. Practical Applications. This review provides crucial insights into the processing, nutritional profile, and market dynamics of corn oil, benefiting researchers and industry professionals. By understanding the challenges and advancements in extraction methods, researchers can develop more sustainable and efficient processes. The detailed analysis of corn oil's composition and functionality provides practical solutions for improving product shelf‐life and quality. This comprehensive review supports the optimization of corn oil production and utilization and aids in positioning corn oil as a competitive and versatile option in the global vegetable oil market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oil bodies or lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytosol are the subcellular storage compartments of seeds and the sites of lipid metabolism providing energy to the germinating seeds. Major LD-associated proteins are lipoxygenases, phospholipaseD, oleosins, TAG-lipases, steroleosins, caleosins and SEIPINs; involved in facilitating germination and enhancing peroxidation resulting in off-flavours. However, how natural selection is balancing contradictory processes in lipid-rich seeds remains evasive. The present study was aimed at the prediction of selection signatures among orthologous clades in major oilseeds and the correlation of selection effect with gene expression. Results: The LD-associated genes from the major oil-bearing crops were analyzed to predict natural selection signatures in phylogenetically close-knit ortholog clusters to understand adaptive evolution. Positive selection was the major force driving the evolution and diversification of orthologs in a lineage-specific manner. Significant positive selection effects were found in 94 genes particularly in oleosin and TAG-lipases, purifying with excess of non-synonymous substitution in 44 genes while 35 genes were neutral to selection effects. No significant selection impact was noticed in Brassicaceae as against LOX genes of oil palm. A heavy load of deleterious mutations affecting selection signatures was detected in T-lineage oleosins and LOX genes of Arachis hypogaea. The T-lineage oleosin genes were involved in mainly anther, tapetum and anther wall morphogenesis. In Ricinus communis and Sesamum indicum > 85% of PLD genes were under selection whereas selection pressures were low in Brassica juncea and Helianthus annuus. Steroleosin, caleosin and SEIPINs with large roles in lipid droplet organization expressed mostly in seeds and were under considerable positive selection pressures. Expression divergence was evident among paralogs and homeologs with one gene attaining functional superiority compared to the other. The LOX gene Glyma.13g347500 associated with off-flavor was not expressed during germination, rather its paralog Glyma.13g347600 showed expression in Glycine max. PLD-α genes were expressed on all the tissues except the seed,δ genes in seed and meristem while β and γ genes expressed in the leaf. Conclusions: The genes involved in seed germination and lipid metabolism were under strong positive selection, although species differences were discernable. The present study identifies suitable candidate genes enhancing seed oil content and germination wherein directional selection can become more fruitful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose and β-cyclodextrin stabilized water-wrapped tea seed oil Pickering emulsion was prepared using the high-speed shearing method. The particle size test and microstructure observation showed that the average particle size of the emulsion droplet decreased while the apparent viscosity, viscoelasticity, and stability increased with the increase in the concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose, β-cyclodextrin, and oil fraction. The droplet size of the emulsion increased slightly after heating from 50 °C to 90 °C, and the thermal stability of the emulsion increased after 50 °C treatment. pH exhibited little effect on emulsion stability. Carboxymethyl cellulose enhanced the adsorption of cyclodextrin colloidal particles on the water-oil interface via non-covalent interaction, steric hindrance, and drainage, which improved the viscosity of the emulsion. Therefore, it can be seen that the combination of carboxymethyl cellulose and β-cyclodextrin can significantly increased the stability of emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil tree peony (Paeonia ostii) is widely cultivated for their high value seed oil, and its roots also have high medicinal value, but they are often discarded and wasted as by-products. In this study, a set of steam explosion (SE) and ultrasound (US)-assisted extraction/purification methods of insoluble bound phenols (IPs) from oil peony roots (PR) were explored and developed. The IPs were obtained through SE pre-treatment (120 °C, 15 min) and US-assisted alkaline extraction (0.25 W/cm2, 4 h and 4 M NaOH). Their total phenolic content (TPC) significantly increased from 112.26 mg gallic acid/g dry weight (mg GAE/g dw) with traditional method to 185.59 mg GAE/g dw. Subsequently, the IPs were purified into PIPs using LX-83 resin. The optimized purification conditions were pH = 4, 3.0 mg GAE/mL of IPs, 0.25 W/cm2 adsorption for 120 min, as well as 60 % ethanol desorption solution, and 0.25 W/cm2 desorption for 30 min. The TPC of the PIPs increased to 254.74 mg GAE/g dw. Notably, typical compounds in IPs and PIPs were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS and their antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities were also evaluated by chronometry. The results showed that paeoniflorin and benzoyl-paeoniflorin increased by about 10-fold in the PIPs. Additionally, they demonstrated superior antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities compared to IPs. Therefore, the innovative extraction and purification process greatly improved the yield of bound phenols and recovered paeoniflorin from non-medicinal PR. The process may also provide a reference for the in-depth development of medicinal PR, ultimately achieving more efficient PR development and utilization. [Display omitted] • The integrated process improves the yield of insoluble phenols from peony (IP). • IP are raised by steam explosion and ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction. • US enhances adsorption/desorption of IPs using LX-83 resins. • The sum of 5 typical compounds increases from 0.47 (IPs) to 3.24 mg/g (PIPs). • PIPs showed higher antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Silique number is a crucial yield‐related trait for the genetic enhancement of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The intricate molecular process governing the regulation of silique number involves various factors. Despite advancements in understanding the mechanisms regulating silique number in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), the molecular processes involved in controlling silique number in rapeseed remain largely unexplored. In this review, we identify candidate genes and review the roles of genes and environmental factors in regulating rapeseed silique number. We use genetic regulatory networks for silique number in Arabidopsis and grain number in rice to uncover possible regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in regulating genes associated with rapeseed silique number. A better understanding of the genetic network regulating silique number in rapeseed will provide a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of this trait and genetic resources for the molecular breeding of high‐yielding rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the performance of agriculture sector in Nepal which would help in formulating better policies for its improvement. The study estimated the growth and instability for the period 2001-02 to 2020-21, dividing it into two periods, period-I (2001-02 to 2010-11) and period-II (2011-12 to 2020-21). The growth and instability analysis indicated that the growth of production of almost all crops were increased during period-II. Oilseeds showed the highest increase in production with growth rate of 6.26%, whereas millet and coffee showed decreasing rate of production in period-II. The area under wheat and millet decreased drastically in period-II. Although instability in area increased in period-II for almost all the crops, tea experienced highest increase. Instability in coffee production decreased from 41.85% in period-I to 15.92% in period-II, highest among selected crops. The instabilities in production were due to natural calamities, lesser and untimely availability of inputs, less priority in the research sector for minor crops and so on. Livestock subsector has been performing well as compared to the crop sector. Prioritization by the government and wide climatic conditions are the major strengths of the sector whereas unavailability of inputs in time and lack of investment frameworks are the weaknesses. Farm mechanization, topography and agri-tourism are some opportunities and climate change, fragmentation of arable land, brain-drain are the threats to this sector in Nepal. The major focus of the government should be on utilizing the rural labor force on agriculture sector through different schemes such as effective crop and livestock insurance, timely supply of demanded inputs and proper extension services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally 300 demonstrations were initiated in four districts (Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkot and Vijayapur) of northern Karnataka, but 50 farmers terminated the demonstrations half way due to use of the produce for consumption or marketing of produce. Hence, the inferences were drawn from 250 successful demonstrations. Immediately after the harvest, the seeds should be dried properly and stored. For cereals, as a preventive measure, to reduce the pest infestation, mix sweet flag rhizome powder @ 1 per cent (100 g/q) or neem seed powder @ 2 per cent (200 g/q) in case of cereals such as sorghum, maize, wheat and paddy. For pulses, as a preventive measure, to reduce the pest infestation, mix sweet flag rhizome powder @ 1 per cent (100 g/q) or smear groundnut oil @ 5 per cent (500 ml/q) in case of pulses such as bengal gram, red gram, cowpea and green gram. For oilseeds, as a preventive measure, to reduce the pest infestation, mix sweet flag rhizome powder @ 1 per cent (100 g/q) in oilseeds such as groundnut, sunflower and soybean. These give protection against storage pests for a period of six months. As curative measure, in the infested seeds/grains of cereals or pulses, place Aluminium Phosphide tablets (@ 3 tablets per tonne tied in the muslin cloth) in the middle of the stack in the storage structures under airtight conditions for seven days. After this, open the gunny bags and air dry for 48 hours and sieve the produce to remove dead insects and store/use further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to analyze the influence of germination on the chemical composition and concentration of bioactive compounds in oilseeds and starchy seeds. The kinetic study of the germination process revealed a gradual increase in seed moisture content. The protein content of chickpea and lentil seeds decreased with germination time, whereas sunflower and flaxseed showed an increase in protein content. Throughout germination stages, the lipid concentration was significantly higher for sunflower and flaxseed seeds, as these seeds naturally have high levels of this nutrient. The total sugar concentration increased with germination time, possibly due to starch degradation into simple carbohydrates. Regarding bioactive compounds, the phenolic compound content accumulated in plant tissues with germination time, improving the composition of seed secondary metabolites. Conversely, tannin concentration significantly decreased, possibly linked to the elimination of antinutritional factors from the seeds. The germination process demonstrated that as the total phenolic content increased, it directly enhanced the seeds' antioxidant activity. Therefore, germination can be safely applied to nutritionally modulate chickpea, lentil, sunflower, and flaxseed seeds, aiding in the development of natural foods that are nutritionally safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, at the first a blending of sodium alginate and soy protein isolate (SPI) as wall material were used to encapsulate chia seed (Salvia hispanica) oil as a source of omega-3 into the microspheres. The microspheres were formed at different ratios (5:1, 5:3, and 5:5) of sodium alginate/ (SPI) via the extrusion method, maintaining a constant core/wall ratio of 10%. Morphological structures and physicochemical properties of the microspheres were investigated. In the second step, the microspheres with a ratio 5:3 of alginate/SPI were added to dark chocolate formulation. The characteristics of the fortified dark chocolate were compared to the control sample through sensory evaluation, moisture content and water activity, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and texture analysis. The sensory evaluation revealed that the fortified dark chocolate achieved higher acceptance levels compared to the control sample, indicating its potential for commercial success. This research demonstrates a promising approach to enhance the nutritional profile of chocolate while maintaining its sensory appeal. Practical applications: • A blend of SPI/Alginate was successfully used to well entrap the chia seed oil. • Fortified dark chocolate with alginate/SPI microspheres showed higher acceptance level. • Alginate/SPI microspheres show a potential for enhancing nutritional profile of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study involving a 72-year-old woman who tested positive for codeine and morphine on a urine drug screen. The patient claimed to have not taken any nonprescribed medications and requested copies of the test results. It was later discovered that her positive result may have been caused by the consumption of poppy seeds in her breakfast. The article explores the distinction between codeine ingestion and poppy seed consumption as the cause of a positive drug test result. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication between the laboratory and practitioners, accurate reporting of results, and patient advocacy in reviewing medical records for accuracy. The article concludes with educational points, including the fact that poppy seed-containing food can cause a positive opiates result in urine and that previous guidelines for interpreting opiates results are no longer valid. [Extracted from the article]

Sweetsop seed holds significant economic value as an oil seed, with ca. 25% oil content that finds applications as a feedstock for energy generation. The moisture‐modulated thermophysical properties of the seed were determined at varying moisture contents (8.0%–32.5%). Physical properties (length [L], width [W], thickness [T], arithmetic [Amd], and geometric mean diameters [Gmd], sphericity [Sty], surface area [SA], and bulk density [ρd]) were determined using standard methods while the thermal properties (specific heat capacity [SHC], thermal conductivity [Tcd], and thermal diffusivity [Tdf]) were analyzed using a TEMPOS thermal analyzer. The results showed that the seed L, W, T, Amd, and Gmd, Sty, SA, and ρd ranged from 13.22–14.95 mm, 7.32–7.95 mm, 5.25–5.35 mm, 8.60–8.75 mm, and 7.96–8.11 mm, 0.61–0.60, 196.72–205.28 mm2, and 210.00–270.00 kg m−3, respectively. The SHC, Tcd, and Tdf ranged from 0.14–0.52 J kg−1 K−1, 0.17–0.35 W m−1 K−1, and 0.10–0.20 m2 s−1, respectively. The ANOVA results indicated that the thermo‐physical properties studied were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by moisture content. By utilizing the determined properties, engineers can develop efficient machines to harness the economic potential of sweetsop seed oil in various industries, including biofuel generation. Practical applications: The thermal and physical properties of sweetsop seed are needed by agricultural and mechanical engineers and food scientists to explore the potential application of the seed and the seed product, like oil for industrial and commercial purposes. Data obtained on the specific heat capacity of the seed would be valuable in designing of heating compartment of an oil expeller, thermal conductivity and diffusivity would be needed to design drying systems that balance efficiency and quality preservation, facilitate efficient removal of moisture from the seed while minimizing the risk of over‐drying or under‐drying. Thus, affects the design of the seed storage systems. Data on the seed axial dimensions, sphericity, mean diameters, surface area, and bulk density would be useful in the design and fabrication of agricultural equipment like sheller, grinder, packaging machines, discharge chute, aperture, and planter, to ensure proper seed placement, flow and to determine machine throughput capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), Europe's foremost oilseed crop, is significantly impacted by hailstorms, leading to substantial yield reductions that are difficult to predict and measure using conventional methods. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of photosynthetic efficiency analysis for predicting yield loss in winter rapeseed subjected to hail exposure. The aim was to pinpoint the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters most affected by hail stress and identify those that could act as non-invasive biomarkers of yield loss. The study was conducted in partially controlled conditions (greenhouse). Stress was induced in the plants by firing plastic balls with a 6 mm diameter at them using a pneumatic device, which launched the projectiles at speeds of several tens of meters per second. Measurements of both continuous-excitation and pulse-modulated-amplitude chlorophyll fluorescence were engaged to highlight the sensitivity of the induction curve and related parameters to hail stress. Our research uncovered that some parameters such as Fs, Fm', ΦPSII, ETR, Fo, Fv/Fm, and Fv/Fo measured eight days after the application of stress had a strong correlation with final yield, thus laying the groundwork for the creation of new practical protocols in agriculture and the insurance industry to accurately forecast damage to rapeseed crops due to hail stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drying process employed for camellia seeds has a significant impact on the quality of camellia seed oil (CO), but research on its influence on the flavor of CO is limited. This study investigated the effects of two typical drying processes, sun-drying and hot-air-drying, on the volatile composition of CO using Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) technology. The results revealed that the CO obtained from hot-air-drying seeds exhibited a higher content of saturated fatty acids, while the levels of unsaturated fatty acids decreased. Additionally, the acid value and peroxide value of the CO obtained from hot-air-drying seeds were also elevated. GC-IMS analysis detected a total of 53 volatile compounds (including monomers and dimers) in the CO. Notably, aldehyde compounds exhibited the highest relative content (38.56–40.75%), followed by alcohols (32.14–38.01%), acids (4.86–14.58%), and esters (3.61–17.73%), while ketones exhibited relatively lower content (2.33–3.75%). The fingerprint profiles indicated that most of the flavor compounds exhibited differences in their content between the two samples. Specifically, the relative abundance of complex aldehyde and ester compounds was higher in the hot-air-dried sample compared to the sun-dried one, while the relative content of acid compounds decreased significantly. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) method identified hexanal as the most important key aroma component in both oil samples. The fingerprint profiles combined with principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that GC-IMS can effectively distinguish samples obtained from different drying treatments. Therefore, through the adjustment of drying methods, CO with various flavor characteristics can be obtained. This study provides valuable theoretical and technical references for CO production and flavor research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) can accelerate amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in neuron cells, which further leads to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, there is an urgent need to find natural and safe antioxidants for preventing or treating such neurodegenerative diseases. The seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim and T. laceribractea Hayata have long been used for medicinal and edible purposes in China. However, the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities and underlying mechanisms of their seed oils still remain unclear. Herein, we examine the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of seed oils extracted from different germplasms, T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) and T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ), on ROS levels and neuroprotective activities in C. elegans. The results demonstrated that the seed oils significantly reduced the ROS levels in C. elegans by 17.03–42.74%, with T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) exhibiting significantly stronger ROS scavenging abilities than T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ). The seed oils from T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) alleviated the production and aggregation of Aβ and the phosphorylation and polymerization of tau, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role. Conversely, seed oils from T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ) show minimal neuroprotective effects in C. elegans. These differential outcomes might stem from distinct mechanisms underlying antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with the ctl-2 gene implicated as pivotal in mediating the significant neuroprotective effects of seed oils from T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN). Our findings have provided valuable insights into the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of T. kirilowii seed oils, paving the way for further research aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms and exploring their potential therapeutic applications in combating neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing soybean productivity can be achieved by treating seeds with biostimulants. To this end, an investigation was conducted into the potential of a formulation prepared with clove es-sential oil (CEO) diluted in soybean oil for seed treatment. Soybean seeds were treated with CEO concentrations between 0.5 to 3.0 mL/L, and subjected to germination, vigor, and sanity analyses. The CEO at 1.6 mL/L exhibited favorable outcomes regarding germination, root length, and re-duced fungal infection. In this way, a two-crop field experiment evaluated soybean seeds treated with CEO at 1.6 mL/L. Soybean seeds treated with CEO in the field in 2021/2022 were not different from the controls. However, in 2019/2020, there was a higher percentage of emergence, nodulation, and production of 749 kg/ha more than in the industrial treatment. These results highlight the potential use of CEO as a biostimulant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil peony is an important oil crop that is primarily sown by using artificial methods at present. Its seeder encounters the problems of low efficiency of seeding that significantly limits the highly efficient mechanized production of high-quality peony oil. In this study, Fengdan white oil peony seeds were used as the research object and repose angle as the response value to establish a discrete element model (DEM) and parameter calibration. The range of parameters of oil peony seeds was first obtained through an experiment, and their repose angle was obtained by an inclinometer. A three-dimensional DEM of oil peony seeds was then established. The Plackett–Burman (PB) test was utilized to screen the parameters that had a significant influence on the repose angle, and the steepest ascent (SA) test was applied to determine their optimum range of testing. Following this, based on Box–Behnken (BBD) test results, a second-order regression model between the important parameters and the repose angle was constructed. Finally, the absolute minimum difference between simulated and measured repose angles was utilized as the objective of optimization to obtain the following optimum combination of parameters: The values of the seed–steel collision recovery coefficient (CRC), seed–seed static friction coefficient (SFC), seed–steel SFC, and seed–seed rolling friction coefficient (RFC) were 0.704, 0.324, 0.335, and 0.045, respectively. This optimal combination of parameters was confirmed through simulations, and the error between simulated and measured repose angles was only 0.67%, indicating that the calibrated DEM of oil peony seeds was reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of cultivars of two perennial grains is a milestone in perennial grain and oilseed development. Agronomic studies can progress by having stable genetics upon which to conduct research. Agriculture has generally committed to enhancing soil health, with perennial grains and oilseeds offering potentially non-animal-related alternatives to our current choices. Utilizing perennial grains and oilseeds offers potential to small-grain producers to improve, or at least maintain, their soil quality as perennial grains generally have little soil disturbance post-seeding. Understanding perennial grain and oilseed development and how they interact with their growth environment will provide us with baselines upon which to gauge agronomic interventions as we attempt to increase productivity without negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how climate variability affects oilseed yields is crucial for ensuring a stable oil supply in regions such as China, where self‐sufficiency in edible vegetable oils is low. Here, we found coherent patterns in the interannual variability of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies and percent crop yield anomalies in the three ocean basins, and then quantified the contribution of these SST modes to oilseed crop yield anomalies. Our analysis revealed that, at the national level, the six tropical SST modes collectively accounted for 51% of soybean, 52% of rapeseed, and 33% of peanut yield anomalies in China. Tropical Indian Ocean variability exerts the greatest impact on soybean and peanut yield variability, whereas the most significant impact on rapeseed yield anomalies is attributed to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. Finally, this study examined the specific ways in which changes in SST modes can affect oilseed crop yields using changes in local meteorological variables. Our findings revealed the relationship between tropical SST variability and oilseed crop yields, providing a detailed understanding of the diverse connections between SST modes and oilseed crop yield. This study deepens our knowledge of the influence of climate variability on agriculture, offering valuable insights for devising strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on oilseed crop production in China. Plain Language Summary: Our research explored the connection between changes in sea surface temperatures and the yield of main oilseed crops in China: soybeans, rapeseed, and peanuts. We discovered that certain temperature patterns in tropical oceans significantly impact these yields. For instance, temperature changes in the tropical Indian Ocean mostly affect soybean and peanut yields, while the climate phenomenon known as El Niño greatly influences rapeseed yields. By understanding these relationships, we can better anticipate future yield changes and ensure a steady edible oil supply in China. This knowledge is essential for developing strategies to neutralize any negative effects of changing climate conditions on China's oilseed farming. Key Points: A clear connection was found between sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and crop yield anomalies in ChinaTropical Indian Ocean variability majorly impacts soybean and peanut yields, while El Niño‐Southern Oscillation significantly affects rapeseed yieldsThe study reveals how SST patterns affect crop yields via local meteorological variables such as vapor pressure deficit and temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to see whether it is possible to add camelina oil and seeds as ingredients in muffins in order to enhance their health-promoting value, such as their bioactive compound content, while maintaining the organoleptic attributes considered desirable by consumers. Camelina oil is characterised by a high linolenic acid content. Four types of muffins were prepared for analysis: MBnO—control muffins (containing 11.85% rapeseed oil), MCsO—muffins containing camelina oil instead of rapeseed oil, MCsS—muffins containing 6.65% camelina seeds in relation to the mass of prepared dough, and MCsOS—muffins containing both camelina oil and camelina seeds. The change in the fatty acid profile in muffins with the addition of camelina oil was significant; however, it was found that, as a result of thermal treatment, lower amounts of saturated fatty acids were formed. Among all the investigated experimental variants, muffins were characterised by the highest contents of all the phenolic acids analysed. The substitution of rapeseed oil with camelina oil had no negative effect on most of the organoleptic attributes of the muffins. Moreover, thanks to a greater content of carotenoids, camelina oil had an advantageous effect on the improvement of product colour, thus improving its overall desirability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silphium integrifolium Michx. (silflower), a perennial plant, is of great interest as a potential new oilseed crop due to its long, strong, deep, extensive root systems, which can prevent erosion, capture dissolved nitrogen, and out‐compete weeds eliminating the need for frequent irrigation and herbicide uses. In this study, oil was extracted from unhulled silflower seeds, and its composition and oxidative stability were evaluated. The oil content in unhulled silflower seeds was 15.2% (wt/wt), and its fatty acid composition was similar to that of sunflower oil. The level of total polar compounds (TPC) in the oil was 12.3% (wt/wt), and the content of total phenolics was 1.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g oil. Noteworthily, 4.89% squalene was isolated from silflower oil indicating its potential application as an alternative source of squalene. Silflower oil had lower oxidative stability as indicated by the oxidative stability index (OSI) at 110°C and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), presumably due to its high level of chlorophyll (1002.8 mg/kg). Even after a typical refining process involving degumming, alkali refining, and bleaching with Fuller's earth, silflower oil contained 725.5 mg/kg chlorophyll, and its oxidative stability was not improved. Further treatments with bleaching agents including bentonite, sepiolite, and Tonsil® lowered the chlorophyll level to 4.2, 474.5, and 38.5 mg/kg, respectively, and some aspects of oxidative stability were improved and better than those of refined sunflower oil. This study presents the potential of silflower oil as new edible oil and a great plant source of squalene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the nutrient content of red soils in southern China is a priority for efficient rice production there. To assess the effectiveness of oilseed rape as green manure for the improvement of soil phosphorus nutrient supply and rice yield in red soil areas, a long-term field plot experiment was conducted comparing two species of rape, Brassica napus (BN) and Brassica juncea (BJ). The effects of returning oilseed rape on soil phosphorus availability, phosphorus absorption, and yield of subsequent rice under rice-green manure rotation mode were analyzed, using data from the seasons of 2020 to 2021. The study found that compared with winter fallow treatment (WT) and no-tillage treatment (NT), the soil available phosphorus content of BN was increased, and that of BJ was significantly increased. The content of water-soluble inorganic phosphorus of BJ increased, and that of BN increased substantially. Compared with the WT, the soil organic matter content and soil total phosphorus content of BN significantly increased, as did the soil available potassium content of BJ, and the soil total phosphorus content of BJ was significantly increased compared with NT. The soil particulate phosphorus content of BJ and BN was significantly increased by 14.00% and 16.00%, respectively. Compared with the WT, the phosphorus activation coefficient of BJ was significantly increased by 11.41%. The rice plant tiller number under the green manure returning treatment was significantly increased by 43.16% compared with the winter fallow treatment. The green manure returning measures increased rice grain yield by promoting rice tiller numbers; BN increased rice grain yield by 9.91% and BJ by 11.68%. Based on these results, returning oilseed rape green manure could augment the phosphorus nutrients of red soil and promote phosphorus availability. Rice-oilseed rape green manure rotation could increase rice grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital oil-producing crop. Augmenting oleic acid (OA) levels in soybean oil enhances its oxidative stability and health benefits, representing a key objective in soybean breeding. Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), known for its abundant oil, OA, and flavonoid in the seeds, holds promise as a biofuel and medicinal plant. A comparative analysis of the lipid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in Pongamia and soybean seeds would facilitate the assessment of the potential value of Pongamia seeds and advance the genetic improvements of seed traits in both species. Results: The study employed multi-omics analysis to systematically compare differences in metabolite accumulation and associated biosynthetic genes between Pongamia seeds and soybean seeds at the transcriptional, metabolic, and genomic levels. The results revealed that OA is the predominant free fatty acid in Pongamia seeds, being 8.3 times more abundant than in soybean seeds. Lipidomics unveiled a notably higher accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, with 23 TAG species containing OA. Subsequently, we identified orthologous groups (OGs) involved in lipid biosynthesis across 25 gene families in the genomes of Pongamia and soybean, and compared the expression levels of these OGs in the seeds of the two species. Among the OGs with expression levels in Pongamia seeds more than twice as high as in soybean seeds, we identified one fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase A (FATA) and two stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs), responsible for OA biosynthesis, along with two phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDATs) and three acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs), responsible for TAG biosynthesis. Furthermore, we observed a significantly higher content of the flavonoid formononetin in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, by over 2000-fold. This difference may be attributed to the tandem duplication expansions of 2,7,4ʹ-trihydroxyisoflavanone 4ʹ-O-methyltransferases (HI4ʹOMTs) in the Pongamia genome, which are responsible for the final step of formononetin biosynthesis, combined with their high expression levels in Pongamia seeds. Conclusions: This study extends beyond observations made in single-species research by offering novel insights into the molecular basis of differences in lipid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways between Pongamia and soybean, from a cross-species comparative perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Prunus sibirica seeds with rich oils has great utilization, but contain amygdalin that can be hydrolyzed to release toxic HCN. Thus, how to effectively reduce seed amygdalin content of P. sibirica is an interesting question. Mandelonitrile is known as one key intermediate of amygdalin metabolism, but which mandelonitrile lyase (MDL) family member essential for its dissociation destined to low amygdalin accumulation in P. sibirica seeds still remains enigmatic. An integration of our recent 454 RNA-seq data, amygdalin and mandelonitrile content detection, qRT-PCR analysis and function determination is described as a critical attempt to determine key MDL and to highlight its function in governing mandelonitrile catabolism with low amygdalin accumulation in Prunus sibirica seeds for better developing edible oil and biodiesel in China. Results: To identify key MDL and to unravel its function in governing seed mandelonitrile catabolism with low amygdalin accumulation in P. sibirica. Global identification of mandelonitrile catabolism-associated MDLs, integrated with the across-accessions/developing stages association of accumulative amount of amygdalin and mandelonitrile with transcriptional level of MDLs was performed on P. sibirica seeds of 5 accessions to determine crucial MDL2 for seed mandelonitrile catabolism of P. sibirica. MDL2 gene was cloned from the seeds of P. sibirica, and yeast eukaryotic expression revealed an ability of MDL2 to specifically catalyze the dissociation of mandelonitrile with the ideal values of Km (0.22 mM) and Vmax (178.57 U/mg). A combination of overexpression and mutation was conducted in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of PsMDL2 decreased seed mandelonitrile content with an increase of oil accumulation, upregulated transcript of mandelonitrile metabolic enzymes and oil synthesis enzymes (involving FA biosynthesis and TAG assembly), but exhibited an opposite situation in mdl2 mutant, revealing a role of PsMDL2-mediated regulation in seed amygdalin and oil biosynthesis. The PsMDL2 gene has shown as key molecular target for bioengineering high seed oil production with low amygdalin in oilseed plants. Conclusions: This work presents the first integrated assay of genome-wide identification of mandelonitrile catabolism-related MDLs and the comparative association of transcriptional level of MDLs with accumulative amount of amygdalin and mandelonitrile in the seeds across different germplasms and developmental periods of P. sibirica to determine MDL2 for mandelonitrile dissociation, and an effective combination of PsMDL2 expression and mutation, oil and mandelonitrile content detection and qRT-PCR assay was performed to unravel a mechanism of PsMDL2 for controlling amygdalin and oil production in P. sibirica seeds. These findings could offer new bioengineering strategy for high oil production with low amygdalin in oil plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]