The study evaluated the effect of canola (Brassica juncea) derived antioxidants on the oxidation in whey protein stabilized canola oil-in-water emulsion at elevated temperature. 10 % canola oil in water emulsion using 1% whey protein as emulsifier was first prepared by passing through homogeniser. Canola antioxidants extracts such as sinapic acid extract (SAE), sinapine (SP), Canolol (CAN) and whole extract, (WE) at two concentrations (100 and 350 µM), were added and incubated at 30° C. Sinapic acid (SA) and Butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) standards were also used as references. Primary oxidation marker like peroxides and secondary oxidation volatile products like hexanal, pentanal and 2,4-heptadienal were monitored to assess the anti-oxidative effect. BHT was found to be the most effective AO. WE and SP were also equally good as BHT. Peroxide values were significantly different (P<0.05) in case of BHT-100* (*concentration in µM), BHT-350, SP-350 and WE-350 compared to control. Same pattern was also followed in volatiles measurement. WE and SP were also shown to be potent AO as shown by DPPH, chelating and reducing assays. The physical stability of the emulsion was determined by particle size measurement. The particle size (diameter) of oil droplets remains constant throughout experimental period (0.162-0.188 µm). Viscosity was also determined by rheometer and found to be stable over 15 days (7.0 - 8.5 mPa.s). This also demonstrated that WE and SP have the potential to replace other synthetic antioxidants in a concentration dependant manner.

No description available.

The study evaluated the effect of canola (Brassica juncea) derived antioxidants on the oxidation in whey protein stabilized canola oil-in-water emulsion at elevated temperature. 10 % canola oil in water emulsion using 1% whey protein as emulsifier was first prepared by passing through homogeniser. Canola antioxidants extracts such as sinapic acid extract (SAE), sinapine (SP), Canolol (CAN) and whole extract, (WE) at two concentrations (100 and 350 µM), were added and incubated at 30° C. Sinapic acid (SA) and Butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) standards were also used as references. Primary oxidation marker like peroxides and secondary oxidation volatile products like hexanal, pentanal and 2,4-heptadienal were monitored to assess the anti-oxidative effect. BHT was found to be the most effective AO. WE and SP were also equally good as BHT. Peroxide values were significantly different (P<0.05) in case of BHT-100* (*concentration in µM), BHT-350, SP-350 and WE-350 compared to control. Same pattern was also followed in volatiles measurement. WE and SP were also shown to be potent AO as shown by DPPH, chelating and reducing assays. The physical stability of the emulsion was determined by particle size measurement. The particle size (diameter) of oil droplets remains constant throughout experimental period (0.162-0.188 µm). Viscosity was also determined by rheometer and found to be stable over 15 days (7.0 - 8.5 mPa.s). This also demonstrated that WE and SP have the potential to replace other synthetic antioxidants in a concentration dependant manner.

Yield losses from infestations of root maggots (Delia spp.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) can be severe in canola crops in central Alberta. Studies were undertaken in central Alberta, Canada to manipulate agronomic practices that have potential to affect crop yield, root maggot infestations, and the survival and abundance of Aleochara bilineata (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), which is an important natural enemy of root maggots. I investigated tillage regime (conventional versus zero tillage), row spacing, and seeding rate to assess effects on Delia spp. and A. bilineata populations. In general I observed greater root maggot incidence and damage, and greater activity density of A. bilineata, in plots subjected to a conventional tillage regime than in a zero tillage regime. I found relatively greater parasitism of root maggot puparia by A. bilineata in plots subjected to a zero tillage regime than a conventional tillage regime. No consistent effects were observed on A. bilineata activity in relation to seeding rate and row spacing. In this study, there is no evidence to conclude that tillage regime had a significant effect on canola seed yield. Seed yields in relation to seeding rate and row spacing were variable. In the context of integrated pest management in canola cropping systems, I suggest that canola growers utilize zero tillage in conjunction with adopting the currently recommended seeding rates of between 5.6 to 9.0 kg per ha and row spacing of 30 cm because this can bring advantages in terms of improved management of root maggots and other important canola pests like flea beetles and weeds. / Plant Science

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Food security has always been one of the priority concerns in Africa, and it is mostly threatened by drought stress due to climate change. Drought-induced stress is one of the serious limiting factors of plant production, and it is known to impose oxidative stress as a consequence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation that lead to lipid peroxidation, which is manifested as increased cell death. Hence, this study investigated the influence of drought stress on two contrasting canola genotypes (Agamax and Garnet), by monitoring their physiological and molecular changes. The results showed that the plant growth and biomass of both genotypes were significantly affected by drought stress as a consequence of excessive ROS accumulation (manifested as H₂O₂ and OH· content). However, under drought stress conditions, the reduction in biomass and shoot length was more pronounced in the Garnet genotype when compared to that of the Agamax genotype. This was further supported by the increase in lipid peroxidation and cell death, which were shown to be significantly higher in the Garnet genotype when compared to the Agamax genotype under drought stress. ROS scavenging ability which prevents oxidative stress and ultimately ROS-induced cellular damage. Hence, given the higher levels of antioxidant activity coupled with the reduction in ROS accumulation that was observed in the Agamax genotype, we suggest that the Agamax genotype might be slightly less susceptible to drought stress, when compared to the Garnet genotype. Furthermore, understanding the proteomic responses of these two contrasting genotypes that showed a marked difference in response to drought stress might help in unlocking complex biological networks of proteins underlying drought stress tolerance. Hence we use two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis coupled with Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight/time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI TOFTOF MS) analysis for this part of the study, in order to detect and analyze those differentially expressed proteins or proteins whose abundance levels were influenced as a consequence of drought stress. To gain additional insight into the leaf proteomes of the two canola genotypes, a protamine sulphate precipitation (PSP) method was used to remove RuBisCo and confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. A total of 55 well resolved protein spots were selected for mass spectrometry analysis of which 31 (56%) were positively identified using the selective criteria analysis (SCA). All positively identified proteins were then classified into functional categories including protein folding (3%), photosynthetic (29%), detoxification and protection (20%), and energy related proteins whereas 16% could not be classified into any functional category. Apart from spot 32 (Fe superoxide dismutase) and spot 34 (chloroplast beta-carbonic anhydrase), no further significant difference in protein expression/abundance was observed for all the identified proteins for both genotypes in response to drought stress. Both proteins (spots 32 and 34) have been shown to contain antioxidant activity properties which suggest that they might play a crucial role in improving drought stress tolerance in canola plants.

Hail damage in canola has been characterized with symptoms such as randomly broken stems and loss of plants. The effect on stand reduction and stem cut-off in canola has yet to be addressed. Two separate experiments, stand reduction and stem cut-off, were conducted at six environments using a factorial arrangement, with four growth stages and five levels of intensity as the two factors, and four replications for each treatment. Data on seed yield, seed oil, and seed protein from each plot of five environments, and yield contributing traits from twenty plants per treatment from four environments were taken. Seed yield losses increased as both growth stage and level of stem cut-off/stand reduction increased. A regression equation was developed to estimate the yield reduction resulting from different levels of stand reduction/stem cut-off at four growth stages. Highest seed yield reductions were 82% and 43% at 90% stand reduction/stem cut-off, respectively. / Northern Canola Growers Association

No description available.

Thesis (MScAgric (Agronomy)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Soil salinity is a serious constrain to crop production in many countries. In the Western Cape canola production area, large variability in soil properties within the same field is a very common feature. Some of this variability may be ascribed to differences in salinity. These saline patches affected the germination and survival of cereal crops like wheat and may therefore also be a reason for the high variability and generally low canola yields obtained in this area. It will therefore be important to quantify the effect of such saline conditions on the germination and seedling establishment of canola in an effort to improve yields. In this study several experiments were conducted under controlled conditions in either Petri dishes in an incubator or pots in a temperature controlled glasshouse to determine the salinity response of canola. Results of the experiments done in Petri dishes, showed that the germination response of canola (Brassica napus L., cv. Tornado) to increasing levels of salinity is very similar to that of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv SST 88). Although canola germinated more rapidly than wheat at a temperature of 20 ºC, the final percentage germination for both crops decreased severely when NaCl induced salinity exceeded levels of an EC of 8 dS m-1, but less severe responses were obtained with NaCl/CaCl2 induced salinity. Under soil conditions an interaction between soil type and salinity level showed that the responses in sandy soil to an increase in salinity from 0 to 8 iv dS m-1 were less severe than in loamy soil and especially when salinity stress was induced by NaCl. Although cultivar Spektrum showed more tolerance to saline conditions during the germination and seedling stages in pot experiments when compared to other cultivars tested, these results will have to be confirmed in field trails where grain yield and quality can be measured.

Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain PA23 has demonstrated biocontrol of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, a fungal pathogen of canola (Brassica napus L.). The objectives of this research were two-fold: to optimize PA23 phyllosphere biocontrol and to investigate PA23’s influence in the rhizosphere. PA23 demonstrated longevity when inoculated on B. napus under greenhouse conditions. Carbon source differentially effected growth rate and antifungal metabolite production of PA23 in culture. Carbon source did not have a significant effect on in vivo biocontrol. PA23 demonstrated biocontrol ability of the fungal root pathogens Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn and Pythium ultimum Trow in radial diffusion assays. PA23’s ability to promote seedling root growth was demonstrated in sterile growth pouches, but in a soil system these results were reversed. This research is essential for developing PA23 into an effective biocontrol agent in the phyllosphere and it opens the door for use of PA23 as a rhizosphere seed treatment. / October 2016

Blackleg, caused by L. maculans, is of major economic importance in the canola growing areas of Australia. The aim of this research was to gain information about factors affecting the epidemiology of blackleg in south - eastern Australia. The effect of temperature on a number of aspects of the life cycle of L. maculans was studied in a controlled environment. Germination of ascospores was greater on agar and cotyledons than on leaves, on susceptible cultivars than resistant cultivars, and at 15 and 20 °C than at 5 and 10 °C. Elongation of germ tubes was greater at higher than lower temperatures and generally greater on cotyledons than on leaves of the cultivars after incubation for 24 h at 10 - 20 ° C. Temperature had a greater influence than plant organ or cultivar on ascospore germination and the elongation of germ tubes. Temperature, wetness duration, cultivar and leaf position ( leaves 1 - 3 ) influenced the incubation period of L. maculans on canola. Ascospores infected six canola cultivars over 10 - 20 ° C following leaf wetness duration of 16 - 72 h. Incubation period ( from inoculation to the appearance of first lesions ) was generally shorter at higher temperatures and following longer wetness periods. Incubation period decreased with increasing leaf age, regardless of the blackleg - resistance rating of the cultivars. Pseudothecia developed on naturally infested canola stubble incubated at 5 - 20 ° C under continuous wetness and a 12 h photoperiod. The time taken for pseudothecia to mature after harvest, ranged from 58.3 days at 5 ° C to 22.2 days at 15 ° C. Fewer pseudothecia developed on stubble incubated in darkness at 15 ° C than in light. Pseudothecia took longer to mature when wetness was interrupted than continuous. More ascospores were released at 20 ° C than 5 - 15 ° C, although peak sporulation occurred earlier at 5 - 10 ° C. Discharge of ascospores continued for 8 h at 5 - 10 ° C, for 10 h at 15 ° C, and for 12 h at 20 ° C. The effect of burial of infested canola stubble in sand and field soil ( in pots ) on pathogen survival, pathogenicity and stubble - associated fungi was studied over 13 months in ambient conditions. The isolation frequency of L. maculans from stubble decreased by 63.3 % after 13 months of burial, regardless of soil type. Although the frequency of isolation of L. maculans and Alternaria spp. from stubble decreased over time, that of Stachybotrys chartarum, Fusarium spp. and Coprinus sp. increased substantially over the sampling period. Stubble buried in field soil underwent more decay than in sand over the 13 months. Pseudothecium formation on buried stubble decreased with increasing duration of burial and ceased after 11 months in the field soil and 13 months in sand. The time required for pseudothecia to mature was 25 days for stubble retrieved after one month and 30 days when retrieved 10 months after burial, regardless of soil type. Ascospores from the stubble recovered from burial caused typical Phoma leaf spots on canola over the first 9 months of burial. Over the year, 16 genera of fungi and 12 colony types of bacteria were isolated from the field soil on peptone - rose bengal agar ( PRA ) and on crystal violet agar ( CVA ), respectively. Populations of fungi and bacteria isolated on soil - extract agar were markedly greater than those on PRA and on CVA, respectively. Growth and sporulation of L. maculans on agar media and on infested canola stubble was affected by a variety of fungi obtained from stubble buried in soil or from field soil. Antagonistic activities observed included lysis, deformation, overgrowth and inhibition of L. maculans hyphae, and reduction of pseudothecium density on stubble to one - third or less than that on controls following inoculation with F. equiseti, Gliocladium roseum, Trichoderma aureoviride, Sordaria sp. and an unknown Coelomycete. S. chartarum and Coprinus sp. reduced the mass of canola stubble in vitro. Findings will contribute to a better understanding of blackleg and to the development of more effective control measures. / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 2006.