Characteristics, chemical composition and utilisation of Albizia julibrissin seed oil

The physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, DSC profile and UV/vis spectrum of oil extracted from Albizia julibrissin seeds were determined in this study. The oil content and the moisture of the seeds were 10.50% and 1.56%. The free fatty acid, the peroxide value, the p-anisidine value, the saponification value, the iodine value were 2.54%, 6.61 mequiv. O₂/kg of oil, 1.98, 190.63 (mg KOH/g) and 111.33 (g/100 g of oil), respectively. The specific extinction coefficients K₂₃₂, K₂₆₈ were 7.55 and 0.96, respectively. Linoleic acid (C_18:2, 58.58%), palmitic acid (C₁₆, 13.86%) and oleic acid (C_18:1, 10.47%) were the dominant fatty acids in the A. julibrissin seed oil. LLL (36.87%), OLL (21.62%), PLL (16.69%) and PLO + SLL (8.59%) were the abundant triacylglycerol representing > 83% of the seed oil (L: linoleic, O: oleic, P: palmitic, S: stearic). The DSC melting curves reveal that: melting point = −14.70° C and melting enthalpy = 54.34 J/g. A. julibrissin seed oil showed some absorbance in the UV-B and UV-C ranges. The results of the present analytical study show that A. julibrissin is a promising oilseed crop, which can be used for making soap, hair shampoo and UV protectors. Furthermore, the high level of unsaturated fatty acids makes it desirable in terms of nutrition.     

Characteristics, composition and thermal stability of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. seed oil

The chemical composition, main physicochemical properties and thermal stability of oil extracted from Acacia senegal seeds were evaluated. The oil, moisture and the ash contents of the seeds were 9.80%, 6.92% and 3.82%, respectively. Physicochemical properties of the oil were iodine value, 106.56 g/100 g of oil; saponification value, 190.23 mg KOH/g of oil; refractive index (25 °C), 1.471; unsaponifiable matter, 0.93%; acidity, 6.41% and peroxide value, 5.43 meq. O₂/kg of oil. The main fatty acids in the oil were oleic acid (43.62%) followed by linoleic acid (30.66%) and palmitic acid (11.04%). The triacylglycerols (TAGs) with equivalent carbon number ECN 44 (34.90%) were dominant, followed by TAGs ECN 46 (28.19%), TAGs ECN 42 (16.48%) and TAGs ECN 48 (11.23%). The thermal stability analysed in a normal oxidizing atmosphere showed that the oil decomposition began at 268.6 °C and ended at 618.5 °C, with two stages of decomposition at 401.5 °C and 576.3 °C. According to these results, A. senegal seed oil has physicochemical properties, fatty acids composition and thermal characteristics that may become interesting for specific applications in several segments of food and non-food industries.     

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and profile characteristics of seed oil from Isatis indigotica Fort

In order to further exploit the by-products of Isatis indigotica Fort., the seed oil was studied for its extraction and physicochemical properties. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used, and the parameters affecting seed oil recovery were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions were as follows: solvent-to-sample, 24:1; particle size, 110 meshes; extraction temperature, 49 °C; and extraction time, 44 min. Which resulted in a maximum oil recovery of 81.20 ± 0.21% (n = 3). Furthermore, the effects of UAE on the yield, fatty acid compositions, physicochemical properties, and microstructure of the seed powder were also investigated by calculating the recovery rate, utilizing a gas chromatograph fitted with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and performing scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results show that UAE was an effective method for the seed oil extraction and the high content of unsaturated fatty acids (93.81%) demonstrates the oil has potential benefits for the cosmetics, edible products, or pharmaceutical industries.     

Seed and oil yields of Moringa oleifera variety Periyakalum-1 introduced for oil production in four ecosystems of South America

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a member of Moringaceae family which grows throughout most of the tropics, and is native to sub-Himalayan tracts of north west India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Moringa seed concentrates 35-45% oil which is considered a great natural cosmetic emollient almost total natural absence of color and odor, and high oleic acid concentration (>73%). To assess their production potential in the Arid Chaco, The Yungas Tropical Forest, Tropical Lowland Forest, and in the Sub-Humid Chaco Ecosystems of South America, a comparative trial was undertaken to determine their seed yield and oil content. Arid Chaco Ecosystem: significant (P < 0.05) difference in seed yields among years were found, with 176.17 and 481.25 kg/tree recorded for 1- and 2-year-old trees, respectively. Sub-Humid Chaco Ecosystems: the difference in seed yield and oil percentage between years was significant (P < 0.05). Comparison between years showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher seed yields, and significantly (P < 0.05) lower oil percentage for the two years old trees, than for the one year old trees. The oil/tree content was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for two years old trees than for one-year-old trees. Yungas Tropical Forest Ecosystem: seed oil percentage was significant (P < 0.05) higher in one-year-old trees than in seeds of two years old trees. Overall: over the tree years, oil percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for seeds produced at the Arid Chaco than at the Sub-Humid Chaco. The seed/tree yields and the oil/tree content were no significantly (P < 0.05) different among the three ecosystems. However, when oil percentage per tree and seed yield/tree were combined trees from Sub-Humid Chaco and from Yungas Tropical Forest yielded significantly (P < 0.05) higher oil content compared to that from Arid Chaco trees.     

Potential uses for cuphea oil processing byproducts and processed oils

Cuphea spp. have seeds that contain high levels of medium chain fatty acids and have the potential to be commercially cultivated. In the course of processing and refining cuphea oil a number of byproducts are generated. Developing commercial uses for these byproducts would improve the economics of growing cuphea. Oil fractions and byproducts were obtained from processed seeds of cuphea germplasm line PSR 23 (Cuphea viscosissima × Cuphea lanceolata). We investigated the employment of oil byproducts as growth regulators and solid residues as organic soil amendments on Calabrese broccoli (Brassica oleracea L, family Brassicaceae) seedling growth. Seed processing solid residue fractions, included presscake, bin trash, stem trash and seed trash. These fractions were ground and mixed into soil to obtain concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 10% (w/w). Ground presscake and bin trash could be employed as an organic soil amendment up to 1% without detrimental effects on broccoli. Ground seed meal (seed trash) was detrimental to seedling growth at all concentrations tested. Stem trash employed at 1% caused fresh and dry weights to increase 26.8 and 29.8%, respectively, compared to untreated broccoli seedlings. Stem trash could be employed up to 10% without a detrimental effect on broccoli seedlings. Solvent extraction to remove residual oils from residue fractions was also conducted to generate improved soil amendments. Generally, solvent extraction of seed-processing residue fractions improved the broccoli seedling growth responses. Administration of processed oils and their byproduct fractions as foliar sprays on broccoli seedlings was conducted at rates of 0, 10, 30, and 50 g L⁻¹. Plants were evaluated 72 h after spraying. Refined and crude oils had no effect on broccoli seedlings; gums and soapstock sprays had no effect at 10 or 30 g L⁻¹ concentrations but at 50 g L⁻¹ it killed seedlings. Distilled fatty acid fraction sprays killed broccoli seedlings at all tested concentrations. Certain oil byproduct fractions from cuphea oil processing can be employed as “environmentally-friendly” herbicidal sprays. Calorific evaluation of cuphea ag-wastes were conducted and found to compare well to other biomass energy sources.     

Cuphea growth, yield, and oil characteristics as influenced by climate and soil environments across the upper Midwest USA

Cuphea is a potential new oilseed crop rich in medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0 to C14:0) that may serve as a renewable, biodegradable source of oil for lubricants, motor oil, and aircraft fuel. Impacts of climate and soil environment on cuphea growth and development are not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of climate and soil on growth, seed yield, and seed oil characteristics of two semi-domesticated cuphea genotypes [PSR23 and HC-10 (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton)] and three wild species [Cuphea wrightii, Cuphea lutea, and C. viscosissima (VS-6-CPR-1)] that show potential for domestication. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at field sites in North Dakota (ND), Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), and Illinois (IL). Cuphea PSR23 and HC-10 were direct seeded in the field, while the three wild species were transplanted. The two plantings were treated as separate experiments. Plant growth, seed yield and oil content for the two direct-seeded lines tended to be distinctly greater in MN and ND than IL and IA, which was related more to growth temperature than soil environment. The three wild species generally performed similarly across the four different environments. C. wrightii had the greatest oil content, ranging from 320 to 360 g kg⁻¹, which was comprised of 59-64% lauric acid. For each genotype, the content of its most prominent saturated medium-chain fatty acid (e.g., C10:0 or C12:0) increased with decreasing latitude of field site. Seed yields for C. wrightii and C. lutea were as high as 1116 kg ha⁻¹. Combined with relatively high seed oil contents (280-350 g kg⁻¹) these species may be good candidates for domestication. Results indicate that PSR23 and HC-10 are more regionally adapted than the wild species studied, which tended to exhibit a greater range of adaptability to climate and soil conditions.     

Oil productivity and composition of sunflower as a function of hybrid and planting date

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a potential cash crop for the southeastern United States for production of cooking oil or biodiesel. Two years (2006 and 2007) of experiments were conducted at each of five locations in Mississippi to evaluate the effect of planting date (April 20, May 20, and June 20), and hybrid (DKF3875, DKF2990, DKF3510, DKF3901, PR63M80, PR62A91, PR63A21, PR63M91, and PR64H41) on seed yield, oil content, and oil composition of sunflower. Seed oil concentration varied from 25 to 47%. The oleic acid concentration in the oil was greater than 85% for DKF3510 and PR64H41, above 65% for PR63M80 and PR63M91, and intermediate for the other hybrids. Total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) concentration in the oil (the sum of palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acids) ranged from 6.3 to 13.0%, with DKF3510, PR63M91, and PR64H41 having lower concentration of TSFA than the other hybrids. Mean seed yields ranged from 997 to 2096 kg ha⁻¹ depending on location. Mean oil yields at the five locations ranged from 380 to 687 kg ha⁻¹, and calculated biodiesel production ranged from 304 to 550 kg ha⁻¹. Seed and oil yields in this study suggest sunflower in Mississippi should be planted by the last week of May. Later planting (20 June) may significantly decrease both seed and oil yields in the non-irrigated system in Mississippi and in other areas of the southeastern United States with similar environmental conditions.     

Genotype by environment interaction of seed and oil yield in vernonia (Vernonia galamensis variety ethiopica)

Vernonia (Vernonia galamensis variety ethiopica) is a potentially novel renewable source of natural epoxy oil. The objective of this study was to determine the genotype by environment interaction and to identify superior and stable genotypes of vernonia with high seed and oil yield. Field experiments were conducted during 2006, 2007 and 2008 at two localities namely, Gabaza and Syferkuil. Ten selected genotypes of vernonia were evaluated for seed yield, oil content and oil yield using the randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant interactions (P ≤ 0.05) were detected among genotype by location for seed yield, oil content, oil yield and genotype by year for seed and oil yield. Genotype Vge-18 had the highest seed yield ranging between 3095 and 3337 kg/ha followed by Vge-17 yielding 3006-3137 kg/ha at Gabaza. These genotypes were also the best performers at Syferkuil where Vge-17 yielded 2915-3217 kg/ha followed by Vge-18 with 2819-3152 kg/ha. The superiority statistics allocated Vge-17 and Vge-18 as best yielding and stable genotypes. In both locations Vge-4 had increased seed oil contents at 43% (Gabaza) and 35% (Syferkuil). Other promising genotypes with high seed oil content were Vge-33 at Gabaza (40-43%) and Vge-3 at Syferkuil (34-35%). Genotypes with the highest oil yields were found to be Vge-18 (1117-1370 kg/ha) at Gabaza and Vge-4 with yields of 885-922 kg/ha at Syferkuil. Overall, Vge-17 and Vge-18 were identified as having the highest seed yield, while Vge-4 and Vge-3 yielded the highest seed oil content with average stability. These genotypes could be used for direct large scale production or strategic breeding of vernonia in these or similar environments.     

Changes in phytochemical, antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of the Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle L.) as influenced by fruit maturation

The effect of stage of maturity on total lipids, fatty acids, yields and essential oil composition and their antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of the Schinus molle fruits was investigated. The content of total lipids varied from 2.87 to 5.35% (w/w, dw) and were rich in unsaturated fatty acids particularly linoleic acid. As maturation progress, the essential oil yield dropped from 5.18% to 1.15%. Monoterpene hydrocarbons with α-phellandrene (35.15-40.38%), limonene + β-phellandrene (21.47-36.62%), β-myrcene (7.61-24.96%) and α-pinene (1.92-2.58%) were found to be the main components. At the same time, the essential oils were evaluated for their antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities. They were found to be active against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhymurium and Escherichia coli but they do not inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Conversely, they showed very weak activity against the DPPH radical. In both assay, the oil derived from the intermediate stage was reported as more efficient.     

Oil extraction from coriander fruits by extrusion and comparison with solvent extraction processes

The aim of this work was to optimise a single-screw extruder dedicated to coriander production and to investigate the effects of screw configuration, nozzle diameter and nozzle/screw distance. On the other hand, the coriander fruit was extracted using soxhlet methods, the results were compared with mechanical screw press methods.Maximum yield was obtained with single screw extruder for a configuration allowing the strongest oil expression (nozzle/screw distance: 3 mm, nozzle diameter: 9 mm).Comparing with mechanical press, the maximum yield was obtained by the soxhlet extraction with 21.25%.The effect of the operating parameters on oil quality was not important. In all the experiments tested, the oil quality was very good. The acid value was below 1.8 mg of KOH/g of oil and iodine values were tolerable (44 mg of iodine/100 g of oil).Nine fatty acids were identified, with petroselinic acid accounting for 74-77% of the total fatty acids, followed by linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids, accounting for 12-13%, 4-6% and 3%, respectively, of the total fatty acids.β-Sitosterol was the major sterol in all oils with 28% of total sterols of all oils. The next major sterols in all oils were stigmasterol (24-27% of total sterols) and Δ⁷-stigmasterol (14-18% of total sterols).     

Physiological changes during seed development of cuphea

Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. x C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton, PSR23) is a new oilseed being developed in the north-central USA. Cuphea oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids suitable for detergent/cleaner applications and has potential for use in cosmetics. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of seed development on seed moisture, weight, oil content, fatty acid composition, germination, and vigor. Two thousand cuphea flowers were tagged at anthesis in the field each year at Prosper, ND, in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Each flower that developed into a seed capsule was tagged and labeled with the date of anthesis. Two hundred developed capsules from the labeled flowers were harvested at 3 to 4-day intervals from 5- to 35 days post anthesis corresponding with 37 to 295 growing degree days (GDD). The GDD were calculated using a base temperature of 10 °C. Seed development required approximately 253 GDD or 30 days post anthesis to reach physiological maturity. Maximum seed germination was reached at 33 days post anthesis. Seed oil content increased and oil composition changed as seed matured. Seed oil was high in linoleic and palmitic acids from 0 to 10 days post anthesis and declined thereafter while capric acid began to accumulate at 10 days post anthesis and reached above 70% at physiological maturity.     

Tocochromanol content and composition in Jatropha curcas seeds

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is a promising seed oil source for biodiesel production. Natural antioxidants play a major role in maintaining oxidative stability of oils and they also have important food and industrial applications. Among them, tocochromanols are the most abundant in seeds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the variation for tocochromanol content and profile in a germplasm collection of 52 accessions of J. curcas. Seeds collected in two different periods, August and November of 2009, were analysed for tocochromanol content. Additionally, the dynamics of tocochromanol accumulation in developing seeds was studied. Total seed tocochromanol content averaged 307.2 mg kg⁻¹ in August and 303.7 mg kg⁻¹ in November, whereas total oil tocochromanol content averaged 507.4 mg kg⁻¹ in August and 500.8 mg kg⁻¹ in November. The tocochromanol fraction was made up of 15.4% gamma-tocopherol, 83.8% gamma-tocotrienol, and 0.8% delta-tocotrienol in August and 18.0% gamma-tocopherol, 80.4% gamma-tocotrienol, and 1.6% delta-tocotrienol in November. Genotype × environment effects were identified for tocochromanol content but not for the proportion of major tocochromanol homologues, which showed a high positive correlation between both environments. Developing seeds contained primarily alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol at early stages of development, with gamma-tocotrienol and delta-tocotrienol being practically undetectable. Gamma-tocotrienol content remained practically undetectable till 66 DAP and then increased pronouncedly to final levels of 177.1 mg kg⁻¹ (74.8% of the total tocochromanol content). The powerful antioxidant and health-promoting properties of gamma-tocotrienol encourages further studies on selection for the tocopherol/tocotrienol ratio in Jatropha and on the potential of tocochromanols as high added-value products derived from Jatropha seed oil production.     

Amino Acid, Mineral and Fatty Acid Content of Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita spp) and Cyperus esculentus Nuts in the Republic of Niger

Dried seeds and nuts are widely consumed by indigenous populations of the western Sahel, especially those who inhabit rural areas. In light of the need for quantitative information regarding the content of particular nutrients in these plant foods, we collected dried pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) seeds and nuts of Cyperus esculentus in the Republic of Niger and analyzed them for their content of essential amino acids, minerals and trace elements, and fatty acids.On a dry weight basis, pumpkin seed contained 58.8% protein and 29.8% fat. However, the lysine score of the protein was only 65% relative to the FAO/WHO protein standard. The pumpkin seed contained useful amounts of linoleic (92 μg/g dry weight) and the following elements (on a μg per g dry weight basis): potassium (5,790), magnesium (5,690), manganese (49.3), zinc (113), selenium (1.29), copper (15.4), chromium (2.84), and molybdenum (0.81), but low amounts of calcium and iron. Except for potassium (5,573 μg/g dry weight) and chromium (2.88 μg/g dry weight), the C. esculentis nuts contained much less of these same nutrients compared to pumpkin seeds.In conclusion, pumpkin seeds represent a useful source of many nutrients essential to humans. The data in this report should of practical value to public health officials in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.     

Nitrogen applications modify seed and oil yields and fatty acid composition of winter mustard

Winter mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is not a common crop in the Southeastern United States. With increased interest in biodiesel production, there has been corresponding interest in mustard in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of N fertilization (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha⁻¹) on productivity, oil content, and oil composition of winter mustard ‘Pacific Gold’ grown at three locations in Mississippi (Stoneville, and two locations at Verona, namely Verona silt loam (Verona-SL) and Verona clay (Verona-C)). Nitrogen did not affect oil content (percent oil). Seed and oil yields (kg ha⁻¹) increased with N application relative to the unfertilized control. At the Verona-C location, the concentration of oleic acid was higher in the 50 kg N ha⁻¹ treatment. At Stoneville, linolenic acid concentration was higher in the 150 kg N ha⁻¹ and lower in the 100 kg/N ha⁻¹ treatment, while it was not different in the other treatments. Overall, the yield of the fatty acids (FA) palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidic, eicosanoic, behenic, erucic, lignoceric, and nervonic acid increased with higher N rates (100 or 150 kg N/h). The highest yield of FA in the two Verona locations were achieved in the 100 kg N ha⁻¹, while greatest yield of FA at Stoneville was achieved in the highest N rate (150 kg N ha⁻¹). Means of mustard oil yields in our study in the higher fertility treatment ranged from 737 to 1094 kg ha⁻¹. This study demonstrated winter mustard production in Mississippi and possibly other areas in the Southeastern United States can be successful and could provide seed and oil yields comparable to yields from other production areas.     

Optimizing mechanical oil extraction of Jatropha curcas L. seeds with respect to press capacity, oil recovery and energy efficiency

The objective of this study was to optimize the mechanical oil extraction of Jatropha curcas seeds by increasing the efficiency of oil recovery and decreasing oil residues in press cake. The experiments were carried out with mechanical screw press type - Komet D85-1G. Four setups were created by parameter combination of two different screws (16 and 21.5 mm choke ring size), with two different press cylinders (1 and 1.5 mm bore size), three different nozzles (8, 10 and 12 mm nozzle diameter) and three rotational speeds (low, medium and high). Oil recovery reduced when rotational speed increases for all setups; highest oil was 89.4% (m/m). The oil recovery was increasing when energy input increased and decreasing when seed material throughput increased. The relations between energy input and seed material throughput followed a strict pattern, which correlated with oil recovery. This correlation can be used for determining the optimal operation parameters.     

Studies on the utilization of Hura crepitans L. seed oil in the preparation of alkyd resins

The utilization of Hura crepitans seed oil in the formulation of alkyd resins was investigated using a two-stage alcoholysis-polyesterification method. The percentage yield of the oil was 36.4%; and the physicochemical characterization revealed that the seed oil is an unsaturated semi-drying oil. The fatty acid profile of the oil showed that it contains linoleic acid (81.6%) as the most abundant fatty acid, and two other fatty acids: palmitic acid (16.92%) and stearic acid (1.76%). Short (I), medium (II) and long (III) oil alkyds were synthesized using the oil, glycerol and phthalic anhydride in different ratios. Properties of the three prepared samples of H. crepitans seed oil alkyds having oil content of 30% (I), 50% (II), and 65% (III) were evaluated. The alkyd resins synthesized compared favourably with the commercially available alkyd resin. The presence of unsaturation in the oil was confirmed by infra-red peak at 2930 cm⁻¹ attributed to CC stretch. The infra-red peaks of the sample also compared well with that of the commercial sample indicating that H. crepitans seed oil has been successfully converted to alkyd resin. Evaluation of prepared alkyds by determination of acid values, solubility in butanol and toluene, resistance of dry film to acid, alkali and water, and drying time revealed that H. crepitans seed oil is a potential raw material for the coating industry.     

Large scale cultivation of Cynara cardunculus L. for biomass production—A case study

Large scale cultivation of the cardoon Cynara cardunculus L. for biomass production was installed using common agricultural practices and machinery in a total of 77.4 ha in southern Portugal in a region characterized by very hot and dry summers. This species is a perennial with an annual growth cycle. Installation by sowing was successful in spite of the extreme drought that occurred during this first cycle (221 mm), and the plants developed well during the second cycle (with 556 mm rainfall) with a mean density of 27 thousand plants per ha. Aerial photographs showed that 45.8 ha of the field had over 50% of ground cover by cardoon plants. The observed differences in soil occupation could be explained by rock outcrops, soil heterogeneity and land topography. The field biomass yield was estimated at 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and the plants at harvest had on average 2.1 m height and 2.2 cm stalk diameter, with 5.3 capitula per plant. Stalks represented 59.1% of total dry biomass. The capitula contain small oil seeds with an average of 126 seeds per capitulum and weighing 32 g per 1000 seeds. The mean seed yield was 603 kg ha⁻¹. The results of this experiment confirm that Cynara crops are suitable for biomass production in Mediterranean regions and that large scale operation can be applied including whole plant harvest or field fractionation for seed recovery. Careful attention to cultural practices was deemed important for field homogeneity and production. The observed plant variation, namely in oil seed production, suggests potential improvements through breeding.     

Optimization of nitrogen rate and seed density for safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) production under low-input farming conditions in temperate climate

Field experiments under low-input farming conditions were conducted in South West Germany (lhinger Hof) and North Switzerland (Wil) in 2004 and 2005 aimed at optimizing nitrogen rate and seed density for the production of the newly introduced safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The experiments were laid out in a four-replicated-split plot design with three nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80 kg/ha) as main plots and cultivars (Sabina, Saffire, BS-62915) and seed densities (50, 100, 150 seeds/rn2) randomized in split plots. It was shown that many traits responded differentially across environments to rate of nitrogen and seed density. Application of 40 and 80 kg N/ha did not significantly affect most of the investigated traits. At Ihinger Hof, the total nitrogen fertilizer needed to maximize safflower yield was estimated to be 86 kg N/ha. At Wil, residual soil nitrogen alone resulted in satisfactory seed yield when safflower followed a crop fertilized at a commercial rate. The nitrogen rate × seed density interaction was only significant for seed yield and Alternaria leaf spot disease. Nitrogen rates provided significant increases in seed yield at high seed density compared to low seed density. Seed density did not reveal any significant variation in seed yield, oil content, and oil yield. On average, the low seed density produced substantially higher numbers of heads/plant and seeds/plant compared to medium and high densities. These results demonstrate the ability of safflower to use residual soil nitrogen efficiently and to compensate for low plant density.     

Genetic variability and interrelationship among various morphological and quality traits in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Evaluation of seed yield, morphological variability and nutritional quality of 27 germplasm lines of Chenopodium quinoa and 2 lines of C. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae was carried out in subtropical North Indian conditions over a 2-year period. Seed yield ranged from 0.32 to 9.83 t/ha, higher yields being shown by four Chilean, two US, one Argentinian and one Bolivian line. Two lines of C. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae exhibited high values for most of the morphological traits but were low yielding. Seed protein among various lines ranged from 12.55 to 21.02% with an average of 16.22 ± 0.47%. Seed carotenoid was in the range of 1.69–5.52 mg/kg, while leaf carotenoid was much higher and ranged from 230.23 to 669.57 mg/kg. Genetic gain as percent of mean was highest for dry weight/plant, followed by seed yield and inflorescence length. All morphological traits except days to flowering, days to maturity and inflorescence length exhibited significant positive association with seed yield. The association of leaf carotenoid with total chlorophyll and seed carotenoid was positive and highly significant. The path analysis revealed that 1000 seed weight had highest positive direct relationship with seed yield (1.057), followed by total chlorophyll (0.559) and branches/plant (0.520). Traits showing high negative direct effect on seed yield were leaf carotenoid (−0.749), seed size (−0.678) and days to flowering (−0.377). Total chlorophyll exerted strongest direct positive effect (0.722) on harvest index, followed by seed yield (0.505) and seed protein (0.245).     

Physical properties of tung seed: An industrial oil yielding crop

Data on physical properties of seeds have significant importance for machinery and process equipments design. This study was conducted to investigate some physical properties of tung seed (Aleutites Fordii) namely, dimensions, 100 unit mass, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, surface area, bulk density, true density, porosity, terminal velocity and coefficient of friction. The applications of these properties are also discussed. The tung seed has an average of 13.24% (d.b.) moisture and 40.37% oil content. The average seed length, width, thickness were 22.61 mm, 20.35 mm, 13.95 mm, respectively. The average surface area of tung seed is 1084.20 mm² while the sphericity and aspect ratio were 0.82 and 90.07%, respectively. The average bulk density of seed was 0.502 g/cm³ while the true density was 0.995 g/cm³, and the corresponding porosity was 49.88%. The terminal velocity was 8.3 m/s. The static coefficient of friction on three different contacting materials has been found out and the results showed that the mean value of static coefficient friction was least in case of aluminum sheet while it is highest for plywood.