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Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a frost-tolerant oilseed plant that is cultivated as an autumn crop in semi-arid regions. However, camelina establishment in these areas is limited by low temperatures in winter that results in decreased seed yield. In the present study, genetic basis of freezing tolerance (FT) in spring and winter biotypes of camelina was analyzed at seedling stage using a diallel cross experiment. The parents consisted of two winter doubled haploid (DH) lines with high (DH34 and DH31), two spring lines with medium (DH19 and DH26), and two spring lines with low FT (DH08 and DH91). For this purpose, the parents along with F1 entries were subjected to freezing stress and survival percentage, electrolyte leakage, and lethal temperature for 50% mortality ( LT50) of the lines were measured. Results showed that although both additive and non-additive effects of the genes determine the FT, further analyses indicated that it was mainly controlled by the additive effects. Therefore, selection-based methods may be more efficient for improving FT in camelina genotypes. The results of specific combining ability (SCA) and heterosis analysis among various DH lines suggested that more tolerant cultivars of camelina could be developed by targeted crossings. When a tolerant winter line and a susceptible spring line were crossed, their progenies showed a higher FT compared with the progenies of a cross between two susceptible spring lines indicating FT is controlled by additive effects of the genes in camelina plants. These findings provided new insight into the genetic basis of freezing-related traits in camelina and could be used for more sophisticated breeding programs.

Camelina sativa , commonly referred to as camelina or false flax, has emerged as a promising cover crop with the potential to mitigate climate change—a pressing global challenge that demands urgent and sustainable solutions. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family and native to Europe and Central Asia, camelina is an oilseed crop known for its resilience in diverse climates, including arid and semi-arid regions, making it adaptable to various environments. A breeding program started from a study of six winter varieties and five spring varieties of camelina is described: these genetic materials were characterized by SSRs molecular markers and by GBS technique. Molecular data clearly showed all spring varieties were genetically similar and distinguishable from the winter varieties, which, in turn, clustered together. Using molecular data, parental varieties belonging to the two different clusters were selected to generate new genetic variability. The new variety obtained, selected through the bulk method based on three parameters: yield, earliness, and weight of 1000 seeds, has allowed the generation of the new genetic material provisionally named C1244. Chemical characterization was performed (bromatological and glucosinolates analysis) to better describe C1244 in comparison with benchmark varieties. The new variety exhibited early maturity, similar to spring varieties, making this genetic material promising for use in intercropping systems, a high weight of 1000 seeds (1.46 g) which improves and facilitates seeding/harvesting operations and a high oil content (33.62%) akin to winter varieties making it valuable for human and animal food purposes.

Physaria fendleri is a burgeoning oilseed crop that accumulates the hydroxy fatty acid (HFA), lesquerolic acid, and can be a non-toxic alternative crop to castor for production of industrially valuable HFA. Recently, P. fendleri was proposed to utilize a unique seed oil biosynthetic pathway coined “triacylglycerol (TAG) remodeling” that utilizes a TAG lipase to remove common fatty acids from TAG allowing the subsequent incorporation of HFA after initial TAG synthesis, yet the lipase involved is unknown. SUGAR DEPENDENT 1 (SDP1) has been characterized as the dominant TAG lipase involved in TAG turnover during oilseed maturation and germination. Here, we characterized the role of a putative PfeSDP1 in both TAG turnover and TAG remodeling. In vitro assays confirmed that PfeSDP1 is a TAG lipase and demonstrated a preference for HFA-containing TAG species. Seed-specific RNAi knockdown of PfeSDP1 resulted in a 12%–16% increase in seed weight and 14%–19% increase in total seed oil content with no major effect on seedling establishment. The increase in total oil content was primarily due to ~4.7% to ~14.8% increase in TAG molecular species containing two HFA (2HFA-TAG), and when combined with a smaller decrease in 1HFA-TAG content the proportion of total HFA in seed lipids increased 4%–6%. The results are consistent with PfeSDP1 involved in TAG turnover but not TAG remodeling to produce 2HFA-TAG. Interestingly, the concomitant reduction of 1HFA-TAG in PfeSDP1 knockdown lines suggests PfeSDP1 may have a role in reverse TAG remodeling during seed maturation that produces 1HFA-TAG from 2HFA-TAG. Overall, our results provide a novel strategy to enhance the total amount of industrially valuable lesquerolic acid in P. fendleri seeds.

Castor ( Ricinus communis L.), a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is a non-edible oilseed crop extensively cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide for its diverse industrial uses. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated athanogene ( BAG ) family is a diverse and well-conserved co-chaperone family present in both plants and mammals. BAG proteins interact with a wide range of proteins, regulating various functions, including stress response, growth, and development. However, the function of BAGs in oilseed crops like castor remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered 9 BAG protein family members ( RcBAGs ) in castor through genome-wide scanning. We investigated chromosomal localization, performed in silico promoter analysis, conducted phylogenetic and synteny analyses, and examined gene architecture. Additionally, we predicted protein–protein interactions and assessed the responses of these genes to various abiotic stresses and hormones. Based on their cellular localization, the RcBAG family was categorized into nuclear, chloroplastic, and cytoplasmic groups. Syntenic gene pairs across different crops also validated the importance and functional conservation of these BAG genes during evolution. Furthermore, in Ricinus communis , the RcBAG genes were scattered unevenly throughout seven of the 10 chromosomes. The study reveals that RcBAG genes are crucial for stress management and castor growth, responding to abiotic stimuli through distinct regulatory pathways. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) investigation revealed that 9 distinct RcBAG genes were strongly induced after cold and heat treatments. Functional analysis and protein–protein interactions were used to predict the potential regulatory network of RcBAGs, revealing tight networking and signaling with HSP proteins. This study provides a foundation for future research into the molecular mechanisms and regulatory processes during R. communis growth, development, response to various stressors, and protein interactions.

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an underutilized oilseed crop proposed as low‐input feedstock for biofuel production, such as sustainable aviation fuel, under Mediterranean climate. However, its productivity is lower than that of more commonly used biofuel crops. Among agronomic techniques, sulfur fertilization is an underrated practice that can positively affect crop seed yield. This study evaluated the agronomic and environmental performance of camelina under different sulfur fertilization strategies, using industrial gypsum as a recycled S source. Field trials were conducted in central Italy over two consecutive growing seasons (2023–2024), evaluating five N–S combinations on spring‐sown camelina. Agronomic performance, seed quality, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of camelina subjected to different fertilization strategies were evaluated. The combined application of 60 kg N ha−1 with 40 kg S ha−1 significantly increased seed (+39%) and straw (+33%) yields compared to N‐only fertilization. Sulfur improved the agronomic efficiency of nitrogen fertilization by 78%, without negatively affecting seed quality (glucosinolates, oil and protein content). LCA revealed that the use of sulfur fertilizers reduced camelina's environmental impact compared to the typical fertilization strategy. This is mainly due to the reduction in land required to produce 1 Mg of seeds and to the process associated with land management (primarily tillage and N fertilizers). However, modeling choices such as the inclusion of indirect land use change can significantly affect the output assessment. Overall, moderate S fertilization optimized both productivity and environmental impact, supporting camelina's role as a promising alternative to be introduced in Mediterranean traditional cropping systems. Camelina sativa, a low‐input oilseed for biofuel production, was evaluated under different sulfur fertilization strategies using recycled gypsum as a S‐source. Adding a moderate sulfur supply (40 kg ha−1) to regular nitrogen fertilization increased crop productivity and reduced environmental impacts, including emissions associated with iLUC, supporting camelina as a valuable option for Mediterranean agroecosystems.

Underutilized oilseed crops contribute significantly to food security and poverty alleviation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, their potential remains underexploited due to limited data on their oil quality and potential applications. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of avocado and coconut oils extracted using solvent-based (ethanol) and solvent-free methods, and assessed their suitability for soap production. Solvent extraction yielded 20 – 30% higher oil outputs compared to solvent-free extraction. Avocado oil obtained via solvent extraction exhibited higher acid and free fatty acid values of about 25% and more than double, respectively, than the solvent-free method. Its saponification value was also approximately 8% higher with solvent extraction than the solvent-free method. For coconut oil, acid and free fatty acid values were slightly higher with solvent extraction, while its saponification value was about 7% higher than that of the solvent-free method. Solvent-extracted oils exhibited higher ester values, suggesting more efficient extraction of lipid components. Soaps produced from these oils showed alkaline pH values within acceptable ranges (9.2 and 8.7 for avocado and coconut oil, respectively). Additionally, coconut oil-based soap demonstrated superior foaming capacity compared to avocado oil-based soap, indicating better performance in soap formulation. Despite slightly lower yields, solvent-free oil extraction offers a practical, low-cost solution for small-scale rural soap production, particularly empowering women and youth by integrating underutilized local resources with minimal input requirements. These results underscore the importance of enhancing local oil extraction technologies and promoting the industrial value-addition of underutilized oilseed crops.

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a Brassicaceae oilseed that is gaining interest worldwide as low‐maintenance crop for diverse biobased applications. One of the most important factors determining its productivity is climate. We conducted a bioclimate analysis in order to analyze the relationship between climatic factors and the productivity of spring‐type camelina seeded in the spring, and to identify regions of the world with potential for camelina in this scenario. Using the modelling tool CLIMEX, a bioclimatic model was developed for spring‐seeded spring‐type camelina to match distribution, reported seed yields and phenology records in North America. Distribution, yield, and phenology data from outside of North America were used as independent datasets for model validation and demonstrated that model projections agreed with published distribution records, reported spring‐seeded camelina yields, and closely predicted crop phenology in Europe, South America, and Asia. Sensitivity analysis, used to quantify the response of camelina to changes in precipitation and temperature, indicated that crop performance was more sensitive to moisture than temperature index parameters, suggesting that the yield potential of spring‐seeded camelina may be more strongly impacted by water‐limited conditions than by high temperatures. Incremental climate scenarios also revealed that spring‐seeded camelina production will exhibit yield shifts at the continental scale as temperature and precipitation deviate from current conditions. Yield data were compared with indices of climatic suitability to provide estimates of potential worldwide camelina productivity. This information was used to identify new areas where spring‐seeded camelina could be grown and areas that may permit expanded production, including eastern Europe, China, eastern Russia, Australia and New Zealand. Our model is the first to have taken a systematic approach to determine suitable regions for potential worldwide production of spring‐seeded camelina. Using the modelling tool CLIMEX, we developed a bioclimate model to investigate the relationship between climate and the productivity of spring‐seeded camelina and to identify regions worldwide suitable for spring‐seeded camelina production. The analysis resulted in identification of areas that may permit expanded production and new areas suited for spring‐seeded camelina; results further suggest that camelina yield potential is more impacted by water limitation than heat. The model developed here can be used for climate change analyses and for the development of models for camelina in other production scenarios, like spring‐type camelina seeded in the fall or winter‐type camelina.

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising tool for the early detection of diseases in oilseed crops such as rapeseed, soybean, and peanut. These biosensors offer high sensitivity, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Timely diagnosis is critical, as many pathogens exhibit latent infection phases or produce invisible metabolic toxins, leading to substantial yield losses before visible symptoms occur. This review summarises recent advances in the field of nanomaterial-assisted electrochemical sensing for oilseed crop diseases, with a particular focus on sensor mechanisms, interface engineering, and biomolecular recognition strategies. The following innovations are highlighted: nanostructured electrodes, aptamer- and antibody-based probes, and signal amplification techniques. These innovations have enabled the detection of pathogen DNA, enzymes, and toxins at ultra-low concentrations. Notwithstanding these achievements, challenges persist, including signal interference from plant matrices, limitations in device miniaturization, and the absence of standardized detection protocols. Future research should explore the potential of AI-assisted data interpretation, the use of biodegradable sensor materials, and the integration of these technologies with agricultural IoT networks. The aim of this integration is to enable real-time, field-deployable disease surveillance. The integration of laboratory innovations with field applications has been demonstrated to have significant potential in supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security through intelligent crop health monitoring.

With increasing global attention toward the need for mitigating climate change, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become an essential priority. Introducing alternative oilseed crops, such as camelina (Camelina sativa L.), into intercropping systems with staple food crops can mitigate ILUC (indirect land use change) and their negative impact on biofuel production. The present study compared camelina + field pea intercropping (ICw + IP, winter sowing) and camelina + lentil intercropping (ICs + IL, spring sowing) with their respective single crops regarding weed control, soil coverage, yields, and camelina seed quality (1000-seed weight, oil, and fatty acid composition). The comparison between different cropping systems was conducted using a one-way ANOVA. Both intercropping improved weed control at an early stage but no differences in soil coverage were found. Camelina seed yield was negatively affected by the presence of peas, whereas the pulse was unaffected. Conversely, camelina seed yield was not affected when intercropped with lentils while lentils reduced their yield in the intercropping. Furthermore, when camelina was intercropped with lentils, a significant increase was reported in 1000-seed weight and α -linolenic acid (C18:3) compared with the sole-camelina. However, both intercropping systems had a land equivalent ratio (LER, based on total seed yield at maturity) higher than one. Defining the best combination of crops and the optimal sowing and harvesting settings remain key to increasing the adoption of intercropping systems by farmers.

Brassica carinata, a nonfood oilseed crop, is used to produce renewable fuels because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid profile. Production in the southeastern United States is relatively new, and information on agronomic management practices to optimize growth and yield is limited. Since optimal seeding rate may depend on the land preparation method for this small‐seeded crop, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage system (conventional, no‐till, broadcast‐disc, and ripper‐roller) and seeding rate (1.12, 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1) on the performance of B. carinata. A randomized complete block design with a strip‐plot restriction on randomization and four replications was implemented in Headland, AL, Jay, FL, and Quincy, FL, over five site‐years during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 growing seasons. Data were collected on soil residue cover; plant population; soil penetrometer resistance and moisture; biomass (including carbon and nitrogen); stalk diameter; yield and yield components; seed oil, protein, and glucosinolates concentration; and oil composition. Soil penetrometer resistance was significantly affected by tillage system, with the ripper‐roller consistently having the lowest penetration resistance values across all site‐years. Ripper‐roller tillage had the highest oil content and lowest protein and glucosinolate contents. Yield response to tillage system was variable. Among seeding rate treatments, yield was lowest at 1.12 kg seed ha−1 and similar among 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1 at all site‐years. There was no tillage by seeding rate interaction for yield. Results indicate that among seeding rate treatments used, 5.6 kg seed ha−1 rate was optimal at all site‐years regardless of land preparation method and is thus the recommended seeding rate for commercial carinata production in the Southeastern United States. Carinata commercialization was first introduced to the Southeastern United States in 2014 to be grown as a winter crop to produce jet fuel, seed meal, and other high‐value co‐products. However, several agronomic management issues related to production emerged, among which are tillage and seeding rates. These issues require resolution. A study was conducted over five site‐years to evaluate the effect of tillage system (conventional, no‐till, broadcast‐disc, and ripper‐roller) and seeding rate (1.12, 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1) on the performance of carinata. Results indicate that among seeding rate treatments used, 5.6 kg seed ha−1 rate was optimal at all site‐years regardless of land preparation method.