Under 2013 förbjöds behandling av blommande grödor med de systematiska neonikotinoiderna imidakloprid, klotianidin och tiametoxam i EU. Ett flertal studier och rapporter hade visat att pollinerande biarter kan uppleva subletala effekter av att konsumera neonikotinoid. Oro rådde om bin blir förgiftade av neonikotinoider funna i pollen och nektar hos dessa blommade grödor. Därför har jag undersökt på en kommunal nivå om neonikotinoidbetade rapsareal generellt har medfört en negativ effekt på förekomst av rapspollinerande vildbin. Studien använde observationsdata från medborgarforskning angående 46 vildbiarter som är vanliga i och omkring åkrar, varav 19 är vanliga i rapsfält. Jag sammanställde data över pollinatörer och areal åker med andel raps mellan 2002 och 2020 för 202 kommuner i södra Sverige. Med hjälp av ”Generalized linear mixed model” undersökte jag sambandet mellan oddset att observera rapspollinerande arter bland pollinatörerna och rapsareal. Resultatet visade ingen effekt av ökad mängd raps på rapsbesökare och ingen lägre mängd pollinatörer mellan 2008–2013 då neonikotinoidbetad raps förekom som mest. Frånvaro av negativ effekt på vildbin kan vara på grund av låga koncentrationer av neonikotinoider i nektar och pollen över skalan för denna studie. En eventuell negativ effekt av neonikotinoider från mer raps kan möjligtvis ha vägts upp av den positiv effekt i form av extra resurser som ökar tillväxten hos lokala populationer. Framtida studier uppmanas att vidare undersöka variationen i exponering av neonikotinoider från raps beroende på beteendemässiga skillnader som tillexempel flygtid och socialstruktur. / In 2013, treatment of flowering crops with the systematic neonicotinoids imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam were prohibited by the EU. Several studies and reports had shown that pollinating bees can experience sublethal effects by consuming neonicotinoids. Concerns regarded whether bees would be poisoned by neonicotinoids found in pollen and nectar of these flowering crops. Therefore, I have examined on a municipal level, whether area of rapeseed treated with neonicotinoids have generally caused a negative effect on the abundance of wild bees which pollinate on rapeseed. The study used citizen-based observational data of 46 wild bee-species that are common in and around agricultural fields, 19 of which are common in rapeseed-fields. I compiled data regarding pollinators and area of agricultural field with proportions of rapeseed-fields between 2002 and 2020 for 202 municipalities in South Sweden. Using Generalized linear mixed model, I examined the connection between odds of observing rapeseed-pollinating species among pollinators and the area of rapeseed. The result showed no effect from increased amount of rapeseed on rapeseedpollinators and no reduced number of pollinators between 2008-2013, the periodwhenneonicotinoid-treated rapeseed was most abundant. The absence of a negative effect on wild bees could be caused by low concentrations of neonicotinoids in nectar and pollen. Also, possible negative effects of neonicotinoids from rapeseed could possibly be outweighed by a positive effect from additional resources that increases local population growth. Future studies are encouraged to further examine varied exposure of neonicotinoids from rapeseed based of behavioural differences like flight-time and social structure of wild bees.

The objective of this work is the development of a method for the catalytic conversion of biomass into liquid products, which could be further treated for the production of bio-fuels. Rapeseed cake was used as a source of biomass, while H-ZSM-5 and H-Beta zeolites were used as catalysts. The process was carried out at 400 °C, in a batch reactor with two configurations. In the first configuration, produced vapors were condensed and collected. In the second configuration, a fixed bed catalytic vapor upgrading section was added into the reactor. The conversion of the rapeseed cake resulted in the formation of two liquid phases (an organic and an aqueous phase), gases and a solid residue. The highest organic liquid phase yield was attained on H-ZSM-5 zeolite at the use of the vapor upgrading section. The aqueous phases contained a mixture of water-soluble substances, mainly N-heterocyclic compounds. The catalyst regeneration studies showed that H-ZSM-5 zeolite in both the reactor and the vapor upgrading section was more stable than H-Beta.

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Cover crops are widely planted in the mid-Atlantic region for their environmental and agronomic benefits, but incomplete or delayed termination can lead to cover crops becoming weeds in the subsequent cash crop, known as volunteers. Studies were conducted from 2020-2022 to evaluate the effect of four commonly grown cover crop species, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cereal rye (Secale cereal L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), and four termination timings; 28, 14, 5, and 1 days before corn planting (DBP). Results indicated volunteerism was only an issue with rapeseed. Delaying rapeseed termination resulted in 0, 5, 12, and 22 volunteer plants m-2 at 28, 14, 5, and 1 DBP in corn. In order to manage these rapeseed volunteers, herbicide evaluations were conducted and indicated that atrazine, isoxaflutole, metribuzin, and pyroxasulfone resulted in 92-94% control when applied preemergence. Similarly, atrazine and glyphosate provided 99% rapeseed control and glufosinate resulted in 89% control when applied postemergence. Therefore, volunteers can easily be controlled with commonly used herbicides in corn. Studies were also conducted to evaluate the benefits of these cover crops, which have the potential to overcome the aforementioned risks. Results indicate that hairy vetch produced the most biomass and provided greater control of summer annual grasses, small-seeded broadleaf and large-seeded broadleaf weeds than other cover crops. Biomass accumulation and extent of weed control increased with delaying cover crop termination. Corn yield was greatest following hairy vetch and was least in rapeseed plots. Termination of cover crops 14 DBP planting increased corn yield by 12%; whereas termination at 1 DBP decreased corn yield by 15% as compared to no cover crop-no till plots. Effective termination of cover crops is an important management consideration and information on termination efficiency can help in devising management plans. In order to assist managers by evaluating cover crop termination efficiency, studies were conducted to evaluate selective and non-selective herbicides and a roller crimper for correlating vegetative indices with visible termination efficiency. Among vegetative indices, the Green Leaf Index had the highest Pearson correlation coefficient for wheat (r = -0.79, p = <0.0001) and cereal rye (r = -0.80, p = <0.0001) with visible termination efficiency. Whereas, for rapeseed, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) had the highest correlation coefficient (r = -0.66, p = <0.0001). However, for hairy vetch none of the vegetative indices correlated significantly with visible termination efficiency. While further research is necessary, remote sensing technologies may help in devising management plans by increasing crop scouting efficiency. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Cover crops reduce soil erosion, leaching of soil nutrients in the water bodies, and provide benefits like weed suppression and improving the cash crop yield. Cover crops are generally planted in fall after the harvest of cash crop and are killed (terminated) before or after planting of next cash crop in the spring. Cover crop plants can also become weedy when they grow as volunteer plants in cash crops and if not terminated effectively. Therefore, effective termination of cover crops is also an important management consideration. Keeping these aspects in view, field experiments were conducted to evaluate different cover crops, winter wheat, cereal rye, hairy vetch, and rapeseed and four termination timings, 28, 14, 5, and 1 days before corn planting (DBP) for biomass accumulation, weed control, and impact on corn yield. Among cover crops, hairy vetch was found to be the best in terms of biomass production, weed control, and improving corn yield, whereas rapeseed had least biomass accumulation and reduced corn yield. Among termination timing, 1 and 5 DBP resulted in the most biomass production and weed control, but corn yield was greatest when terminated at 14 DBP. Delaying rapeseed termination from 28 DBP to 14, 5, and 1 DBP increased volunteer rapeseed in corn by 5, 12, and 22 plants m-2. Preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicides were evaluated for volunteer rapeseed control in corn. Among preemergence (PRE) herbicides, mesotrione, rimsulfuron and flumioxazin provided more than 95% volunteer rapeseed control, whereas atrazine, isoxaflutole, metribuzin, and pyroxasulfone provided 92-94% control. Among postemergence (POST) herbicides, atrazine and glyphosate provided 99% visible control of rapeseed, followed by glufosinate (89%). Various selective and non-selective herbicides were also evaluated for the termination of wheat, cereal rye, hairy vetch, and rapeseed. Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate, glufosinate and paraquat were found more effective for termination of cover crops as compared to non-selective herbicides. Vegetative indices (VI) were evaluated and correlated with visible termination efficiency (ground truth data) and found that VI can be used for estimating termination efficiency and these estimates can help in devising plans for management operations. Among VI, Green Leaf Index had the highest correlation coefficient for wheat and cereal rye visible termination ratings. Whereas for rapeseed, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) had the highest correlation coefficient value. However, for hairy vetch none of the vegetative indices correlated significantly with visible termination efficiency. Overall, hairy vetch was found to be the best cover crop for biomass accumulation, weed control and corn yield improvement. Delayed termination of rapeseed plants resulted in infestation of volunteer rapeseed in corn and reduced corn yield. However, volunteer rapeseed plants can be effectively managed by effective termination and use of proper PRE and POST herbicides in corn. Furthermore, remote sensing-based VIs have shown potential to estimate cover crop termination efficiency.

L’objectif de cette étude est de valoriser des coproduits végétaux tout en proposant une alternative biosourcée, économique et performante aux tensioactifs classiques. Des émulsions de type huile-dans-eau sont fabriquées à partir de poudres végétales finement broyées comme seul matériel tensioactif. Les systèmes dispersés qui en résultent, stabilisés par des particules solides, sont des émulsions dites de Pickering. La première partie de ce manuscrit décrit l’influence du procédé d’émulsification (rotorstator en régime turbulent, ultrasons et homogénéisation haute pression) et des paramètres de formulation sur les propriétés d’émulsions stabilisées par de la poudre de cacao. Le rôle des différentes fractions de la poudre est déterminé et le phénomène de coalescence limitée propre aux émulsions de Pickering est étudié. Nous mettons en évidence une évolution structurale des particules (« dépliement ») sous l’effet du cisaillement appliqué lors de l’émulsification, permettant d’augmenter leur performance en tant qu’agents stabilisants. L’influence de la nature végétale est explorée en élargissant l’étude à des poudres de compositions différentes issues de tourteaux de colza et de lupin. La stabilité de ces émulsions face à l’élimination de la phase continue est ensuite évaluée au regard de la technique de séchage, par lyophilisation et atomisation. Des émulsions sèches riches en huile et redispersables dans l’eau sont ainsi obtenues. Enfin, le pouvoir antioxydant des poudres végétales avant et après séchage des émulsions est caractérisé. / This study aimed at valorizing vegetal byproducts while offering a bio-sourced, cheap and efficient alternative to conventional surfactants. Oil-in-water emulsions were obtained from finely ground plant powders as the only surfactant material. The resulting dispersed systems, stabilized by solid particles, are so-called Pickering emulsions. The first part of this manuscript describes the influence of the emulsification process (rotor-stator in turbulent regime, sonication and high-pressure homogenization) and of the formulation parameters on the properties of emulsions stabilized by cocoa powder. The role of the different fractions of the powder was determined and a phenomenon characteristic of Pickering emulsions, namely limited coalescence, was identified. We evidenced a structural evolution of the particles ("unwrapping") under the effect of the shear applied during the emulsification process, allowing to increase their performance as stabilizing agents. The influence of the vegetal origin was explored by extending the study to powders deriving from rapeseed and lupin oilcakes. The stability of these emulsions with respect to the elimination of the continuous phase was evaluated using 2 drying techniques, freeze-drying and spray-drying. Dry emulsions rich in oil and redispersable in water were obtained. Finally, the antioxidant properties of vegetable powders before and after the drying process were characterized.

The aim of the project is to investigate how a more viscous, gel like formulation can be made of BioGaia´s Prodentis Drops, which is a probiotic product for oral use. The two different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri that are used in the product, together called L. reuteri Prodentis, have been clinically proven to be effective in treatment of gingivitis and caries formation. The existing product is a highly liquid oil suspension that has been described as too runny and difficult to get into tooth pockets and between teeth. Therefore a gel formulation would be preferred. Pre-trials were excecuted to see what combinations and quantities of ingredients could work. Three different formulations using 3 %, 5 % and 7 % beeswax as thickening agent proceeded to another round of trials, as well as one formulation where the original oil was exchanged for hydrogenated rapeseed oil. In the beeswax formulations fumed silicon dioxide was being used as well. Three different analyses were executed, considering bacterial survival, viscosity and phase separation of gels. The bacterial survival proved to be acceptable in all samples even after 14 days of incubation in 37oC. The formulation with 7 % beeswax was the most viscous one, followed by 5 % beeswax, 3 % beeswax and the formulation with hydrogenated oil, respectively. Phase separation could be seen in the hydrogenated oil formulation already after seven days and even more so after 14 days. There were also signs of separation in the formulation with 3 % beeswax after 14 days. It was concluded that in further development of the Prodentis Drops it is recommendable to proceed with the 5 % beeswax formulation.

Skirtingos rapsų veislės skiriasi sėklų aliejingumu ir chemine sudėtimi (riebalų, baltymų, eruko rūgšties, gliukozinolatų kiekis). Todėl, remiantis sėklų sudėties skirtumais, galima iškelti hipotezę, kad ir šių veislių aliejų tribologinės savybės bus skirtingos. Tyrimų tikslas - ištirti kai kurių rapsų veislių aliejaus tribologines savybes bei įvertinti šiuos skirtumus. Šiame darbe atlikti įvairių veislių rapsų aliejaus tribologinių savybių vertinimo tyrimai bei aptariami gauti rezultatai. Tirtas grynas ir specialiais alyvų priedais modifikuotas rapsų aliejus: 1 % antioksidacinio priedo LZ 5150C ir 3 % antifrikcinio ir antidiliminio priedo LZ 5399. Tyrimų rezultatai rodo, kad skirtingų veislių rapsų aliejus pasižymi skirtingomis tribologinėmis savybėmis. Šias savybes galimai pagerina didesnis polinesočiųjų riebiųjų rūgščių kiekis. Rapsų aliejus, modifikuotas įvardintais priedais, visoms tirtoms veislėms efektyviai slopina dilimą ir trintį. Gautus darbo rezultatus bus galima naudoti parenkant biologinės kilmės bazines žaliavas bioalyvoms rapsų aliejaus pagrindu. / There is known different oiliness and chemical composition of seeds depending on rapeseed varieties (fat, protein, erucic acid, glucosinolate content). Therefore, based on seed composition differences, possible hypothesis, that the different varieties of rapeseed oil tribological properties may have differences. The aim of research is to explore tribological properties and evaluate their differences of few different varieties of rapeseed oil. At this work there are accomplished researches of evaluation of different varieties rapeseed oil tribological properties. Pure and modified with special additives rapeseed oil has been studied: used 1% oxidation inhibitors LZ 5150C and 3% anti-friction additives LZ 5399. The results show that the different varieties of rapeseed oil have different tribological properties. These properties can be improved by more polyunsaturated fatty acids. Modified with specified additives rapeseed oil effectively inhibited wear and friction for all investigated varieties. The obtained results in this work will be used in searches for new or upgrading an existing basic raw bio-oil.

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Aleksandro Stulginskio Universitete, Transporto ir Jėgos Mašinų Inžinerijos Institute, atliktais tyrimais nustatyta, kad vieno cilindro tiesioginio įpurškimo dyzelinis variklis (,,Oruva“ F1L511) maitinamas pagerintu, 0,08; 0,12; 0,20vol% cetaninį skaičių (CS) didinančiu priedu, rapsų aliejumi (RA), gali efektyviai veikti ir išskirti mažesnę, kai kurių emisijos komponentų dalį. Dyzelinio variklio išvystytas didžiausias efektyvusis slėgis siekė 0,57MPa, varikliui veikiant 2000 min-1 sūkių dažniu. Variklio minimaliosios lyginamosios efektyviosios degalų sąnaudos sumažėjo nuo 272g/kWh iki 268g/kWh tai yra 1,5% panaudojus 0,12vol% cetaninį skaičių didinantį priedą rapsų aliejuje. Deginių dūmingumas sumažėjo 45% vidutinės (pe=0,4MPa) ir 40% didžiausios (pe=0,57MPa) apkrovos srityje atitinkamai panaudojus 0,12vol% ir 0,20vol% cetaninį skaičių didinantį priedą rapsų aliejuje. Bandymų metu didžiausias ƞe=0,364 variklio efektyvusis naudingumo koeficientas buvo pasiektas variklį maitinant 0,12vol% cetaninį skaičių didinančiu priedu apdorotu rapsų aliejumi ir jam išvysčius 5,3 kW efektyviąją galią. Tačiau mažesnės ir didesnės variklio išvystomos efektyviosios galios srityse aukštesnis variklio efektyvusis naudingumas buvo bazinio rapsų aliejaus naudojimo atveju. / Studies conducted at Aleksandas Stulginskis University (ASU) of Transport and Power Machinery Engineering Institute showed that a single-cylinder, air-cooled, direct-injection diesel engine (" Oruva " F1L511 ) can be with rapeseed oil treated with 0.08vol%, 0.12vol% and 0.20vol% the cetane number (CN) improving agent. Diesel engine developed the maximum effective pressure of 0.57MPa when running at 2000 rpm speed. Using of 0.12vol% of the cetane number improving agent (2-ethylheksyl-nitrate) to rapeseed oil the brake specific fuel consumption reduced in the range 272 g/kWh to 268 g/kWh, i.e. 1.5% when running at moderate (pe=0.38MPa) load and 2000 rpm speed. As a result of 0.12vol% the smoke opacity decreased by 45% at moderate (pe=0.4MPa) and 40% at maximum (pe=0.57MPa) load. During the tests, the highest ƞe=0.364 effective efficiency engine was when running on rapeseed oil treated with 0.12vol% cetane improving agent developed at the power output of 5.3 kW.