Search Results (88)

Low yields remain a primary obstacle to the expansion of organic farming in Europe. While legume-based mixed cropping enhances land-use efficiency, three-crop mixtures remain understudied compared to binary systems. We evaluated the vegetative and generative growth of pea (Lathyrus oleraceus Lam.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.) in sole stands versus three-crop mixtures in southern Finland. Experiments were conducted over two years using varying relative seeding densities (including 50:20:30, 50:50:50, and 33:33:33). Biomass dynamics and seed quality were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), while interspecific interactions were quantified using the relative interaction index (RII) and land equivalent ratio (LER). In 2022, mixtures increased oat seed protein by 11% relative to sole crops, achieving a biomass LER of 1.17. In 2023, oats exhibited strong competitive dominance (RII > 0.3), which concurrently reduced camelina quality. Notably, the 33:33:33 mixture consistently achieved a biomass LER > 1.2 and marked improvements in pea growth rates. Across all mixtures, the seed yield LER reached 1.04. These results suggest that three-crop mixtures can enhance productivity in Nordic organic agriculture with minimal quality trade-offs. Practically, we recommend the equal seeding density (33:33:33) as the optimal configuration for maximizing resource use efficiency, though further optimization of species combinations is encouraged. Full article

In recent years, sprouts and microgreens from Brassicaceae species have been increasingly recognized for their nutritional value and bioactive compounds. Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz has emerged as a promising candidate for functional food production due to its exceptional chemical composition. This study evaluated the effects of pre-harvest UV-B radiation on the growth, biochemical traits, and stress-related responses in sprouts and microgreens from three camelina cultivars (‘Alan’, ‘Calena’, and ‘Pearl’). UV-B exposure moderately reduced germination, growth and productivity, but it strongly enhanced the phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity in sprouts. These increases in protective secondary metabolites reflect metabolic reprogramming triggered by such treatment. UV-B exposure in fact determined a reallocation of metabolic resources from primary growth toward accumulation of defensive compounds, including increased proline accumulation and enhanced non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. This adaptive response was effective in managing UV-B-induced oxidative stress in the next growth stage, as demonstrated by the reduced lipid peroxidation markers in microgreens. In microgreens, UV-B similarly stimulated secondary metabolite accumulation while reducing biomass productivity, with antioxidant systems effectively managing oxidative stress over the extended 14-day growth period. The cultivar-specific responses revealed genetic variation in stress responsiveness, with ‘Pearl’ showing slight superior secondary metabolite accumulation. Overall, controlled UV-B irradiation enhances health-promoting compounds through metabolic reallocation toward protective compound accumulation, demonstrating its potential as an eco-friendly strategy to improve the functional quality of camelina sprouts and microgreens. Full article

The incorporation of Camelina sativa and its by-products (oil, meal, seeds, and expellers) into ruminant diets improves feed efficiency and reduces environmental impacts. This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, identified 79 studies, of which 8 met strict inclusion criteria, yielding 23 comparisons. Data were analyzed using random-effects models in R with additional meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Camelina supplementation significantly reduced dry matter intake (DMI; MD = −0.63 kg/day, p = 0.0188) with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.6%), largely attributable to product type and dosage. Although the pooled effect on daily milk yield was non-significant (MD = −1.11 kg/day, p = 0.1922), meta-regression revealed a significant positive dose–response relationship (β = 0.3981, p < 0.0001), indicating higher milk yield at greater Camelina inclusion levels. Camelina oil and its mixtures reduced rumen pH and methane emissions, consistent with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-mediated suppression of methanogenesis. Impacts on milk fat and protein are inconsistent, but improvements in unsaturated fatty acid profiles, including omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), have been reported. Camelina also lowered milk urea (MD = −1.71 mmol/L), suggesting improved nitrogen utilization. Despite promising outcomes, substantial variability and limited sample sizes restrict generalizability, underscoring the need for standardized, long-term trials. Full article

Increasing attention is being paid to the use of cover crops as a means of improving soil quality, particularly in relation to soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation and aggregate stability. This study evaluated the effects of soil texture, soil depth, and cover crop type on soil organic carbon (Corg), labile carbon (C_L), and soil structure under field conditions in western Slovakia. A field experiment compared two texturally distinct Phaeozem soils—silty clay loam and sandy loam —and two cover cropping strategies: pea (Pisum sativum L.) monoculture and a four-species mixture of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.), white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), and Italian millet (Setaria italica L.). Fine-textured soil accumulated up to 50% more Corg and 1.5 times more C_L than sandy soil, while aggregate stability was up to 90% higher. The surface layer (0–10 cm) contained more SOM, but the deeper layer (10–20 cm) showed greater aggregate stability. Pea cultivation increased total organic carbon, whereas the diverse mixture enhanced labile carbon content and promoted the formation of smaller yet more stable aggregates. Strong correlations between C_L and aggregate stability confirmed the key role of labile organic matter fractions in soil structural stabilisation. Overall, the results demonstrate that the interaction between soil texture and cover crop diversity critically shapes SOM dynamics and soil structure. Combining diverse cover crops with fine-textured soils provides an effective strategy to enhance soil quality, carbon sequestration, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Full article

Heterodera schachtii, a nematode primarily feeding on sugar beet and cruciferous plants, e.g., rapeseed, cabbage, broccoli, mustard, and radish, had a significant impact on Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz. The isolation of H. schachtii cysts from C. sativa roots and a known data gap regarding their development on this plant prompted an investigation into their interaction. A pot experiment conducted under controlled conditions in a growth chamber showed that H. schachtii completes its full development cycle in the roots of spring (UP, Smielowska, Borowska, Omega) and winter (Lemka, Maczuga, Luna, Przybrodzka) camelina cultivars at temperatures of 15, 20, and 25 °C. Female nematodes and cysts were most abundant in the Omega cultivar at 20 °C, averaging 9.25 per plant. Nematode feeding did not affect the height or fresh weight of the plants. Plants of the Przybrodzka cultivar had fewer leaves than the control plants. More siliques were observed on the control plants of the UP cultivar kept at 15 °C and those of the UP and Borowska cultivars at 20 °C. Under natural conditions, the number of eggs and larvae in the soil decreased by approximately 50% during the camelina growth cycle for both spring and winter biotypes. Full article

Current consumer trends for meat production with reduced antibiotic use constitute huge challenges in animal farming. Using indigenous raw materials such as aromatic or medicinal plants or their extracts could positively affect or retain animals’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of medicinal plant extracts and essential oils on pig performance parameters, health indices and meat quality. A phytobiotic mixture (PM) consisting of oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) essential oil, rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) essential oil, garlic flour (Allium sativum L.) and false flax flour (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) was used in pig diets, containing in the experimental trials two different proportions of the oregano essential oil (200 mL/t of feed vs. 400 mL/t of feed). Three groups of weaned pigs were fed either the control diet (CONT) or one of the enriched diets (PM-A or PM-B, 2 g/kg). After a 43-day feeding period, at 77 days of age, blood was taken from the jugular vein for biochemical and hematological tests, and eight pigs were humanely slaughtered. A microbiological analysis of intestinal digesta from the ileum and caecum was conducted. Additionally, meat tissue cuts (biceps femoris, external abdominal and triceps brachii) were collected for a chemical analysis, fatty acid lipid profile and oxidative stability testing. The statistical analysis revealed no differences (p > 0.05) in the body weights and growth rates among the groups. An increase (p < 0.05) in total aerobic bacteria was detected in the ileum of group PM-A, while Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts were reduced (p < 0.05) in group PM-B. In the caecum, reductions in Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae counts were observed in groups PM-A and PM-B. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in triceps brachii and biceps femoris for both groups PM-A and PM-B (day 0). A reduction (p < 0.05) in MDA was noticed in triceps brachii and external abdominal meat samples (day 7) for groups PM-A and PM-B. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids (ΣPUFA, h/H and PUFA/SFA ratios) was positively modified (p < 0.05) in the ham and belly cuts. The addition of the PM significantly (p < 0.05) affected the redness of the ham and shoulder meat (a* value increased), the yellowness of only the ham (b* value decreased) and the lightness of both belly (L* value increased) and ham samples (L* value decreased). The meat proximate analysis, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters, did not identify any differences (p > 0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, the two investigated mixtures could be used in weaned pigs’ diets, with positive results in intestinal microbial modulation, oxidative stability, fatty acid profile and color characteristics of the pork meat produced. Full article

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a valuable source of seed oil, which contains above 30% of essential omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid, 18:3). On the one hand, this high content of linolenic acid is healthy and hence preferable, but on the other hand, highly unsaturated oils are easily deteriorated. The stabilization of such oils with respect to their oxidative changes is a significant problem in oil technology and is directly related to the quality of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of ascorbyl palmitate in various concentrations (0.1–2.0 mM) as an additional antioxidant in camelina seed oil during its autoxidation, by determination of oil induction periods and initial rates of oxidation. The results revealed that the added ascorbyl palmitate caused a decrease in oxidation rate, but in terms of oil stability, opposite effects were observed depending on its concentration. Thus, at low levels (0.1–0.2 mM), ascorbyl palmitate had a pro-oxidant effect and the induction period decreased; no effect was observed in its presence of 1.0 mM, whereas 2.0 mM ensured a much higher protective effect. Rosmarinic acid as an individual antioxidant (at 0.2 mM) increased the stability of camelina oil, while in a mixture (1:1) with ascorbyl palmitate at the same concentration, its effect/activity was significantly reduced. Full article

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, a native European oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family, is notable for its short life cycle, making it well-suited for crop rotation and diversification. Its seeds contain a high content of oil (36–47%) that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, Ω-3) and linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, Ω-6). This oil has diverse industrial applications, including low-emission biofuels, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, biolubricants, bioplastics, and cosmetics. We analyzed the expression of seven key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis across nine C. sativa accessions at three stages of silique development using highly efficient qRT-PCR assays designed for the target genes and a normalizing control. Our detailed expression analysis revealed significant variation across varieties, with only the gene FAB2c exhibiting genotype-independent expression, indicating a constitutive and essential role in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) biosynthesis. Other genes showed significant interactions between the variety and developmental stage, highlighting the combined influences of genetic background and silique maturation on gene regulation. V18 emerges as particularly promising, exhibiting elevated expression of genes linked to PUFA and VLCFA biosynthesis—traits of significance for food, biofuel, and industrial applications. These findings, together with the developed qRT-PCR assays, provide valuable tools for selecting Camelina varieties with optimized genetic profiles, highlighting the potential of harnessing natural transcriptional diversity for crop improvement. Full article

Weed management has been one of the major challenges in camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] production owing to the limited options for selective herbicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate and screen camelina-safe herbicides and establish an effective weed management program combining pre- and post-emergence herbicide application in camelina. There were 22 herbicides (6 herbicides registered as pre- and 16 herbicides registered as post-emergence herbicides) with various modes of action tested in this study. Greenhouse evaluation showed that, of the 22 herbicides tested, post-application of s-metolachlor and prodiamine (registered as pre-emergence herbicide), and clethodim, fluazifop-p, clopyralid, and quinclorac (registered as post-emergence herbicide) possessed adequate safety (~×4 of recommended doses) when used on the two camelina genotypes (CamC1 and CamK3) by evaluation of plant visual efficacy, seed weight, and plant biomass yield per plant. Herbicides from the ALS (e.g., flumetsulam), HPPD (e.g., mesotrione), IPP (e.g., clomazone), PPO (e.g., oxyfluorfen), and PS II (e.g., bentazon) groups caused severe camelina growth suppression and mortality. Field evaluation with greenhouse-selected herbicides demonstrated the superior weed control efficacy of sequential application combining pre- (s-metolachlor) and post-emergence (clethodim, fluazifop-p, or clopyralid) herbicides (84–90% reduction in weed biomass in camelina plots relative to untreated control) than the single application of those herbicides (68–83%). Clethodim and fluazifop-p provided good post-emerged grass weed control (e.g., crabgrass), whereas clopyralid effectively controlled the broadleaf weeds, such as common vetch and shepherd’s purse. Camelina seed yields from s-metolachlor following clethodim, fluazifop-p, or clopyralid application were statistically comparable to the yield of the weed-free treatment (hand weeding) and were significantly greater than those of the untreated control, indicating the effective weed control efficacies provided by those herbicides. Sequential application of the above herbicides did not affect camelina seed oil content, the principal UFA concentrations (e.g., C18:1~3), UFA/SFA, and MUFA/PUFA. In summary, sequential application combining pre- (s-metolachlor) and post-emergence (clethodim, fluazifop-p, or clopyralid) herbicides shows effective weed control in camelina, thus providing a great opportunity to increase camelina production through herbicide-based weed management. Full article

The production of organic meat and dairy products relies on limited organic protein meal supplies. Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) may sustainably increase organic protein meal supplies. Using grain production trial data, research literature, and camelina feeding trial results, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil energy impacts were modeled for inclusion of 10% camelina meal in swine finishing diets using life cycle analysis (LCA). Two key grain production scenarios were examined: field trial relay (FTR) camelina and a higher yielding as expected relay (AER) camelina, with a baseline monocrop soybean (MCS). At the grain production stage, the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios emitted 0.65, 0.43, and 0.13 kg of CO₂ eq./kg DM grain harvested, respectively. At the meal production stage, 0.61, 0.40, and 0.15 kg of CO₂ eq. were emitted per kg of protein meal from the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios, respectively. GHG emissions from the finishing phase of pork production were 1.43, 1.38, and 1.31 kg CO₂ eq./kg live weight pigs produced for the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios, respectively. Findings were similar for fossil energy use. The higher environmental burdens from camelina grain production due to reduced yields of both camelina and soybean resulted in negative environmental performance in camelina-amended diets. Full article

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are nitrogen/sulfur-containing glycosides widely present in the order of Brassicales, particularly in the Brassicaceae family. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an oilseed plant belonging to this family. Its seeds, in addition to a distinctive fatty acid composition, contain three aliphatic GSLs: glucoarabin, glucocamelinin, and homoglucocamelinin. Our study explored the impact of these GSLs purified from Camelina press cake, a by-product of Camelina oil production, on yeast chronological aging, which is the established model for simulating the aging of post-mitotic quiescent mammalian cells. Supplementing yeast cells with GSLs extends the chronological lifespan (CLS) in a dose-dependent manner. This enhancement relies on an improved mitochondrial respiration efficiency, resulting in a drastic decrease of superoxide anion levels and an increase in ATP production. Furthermore, GSL supplementation affects carbon metabolism. In particular, GSLs support the pro-longevity preservation of TCA cycle enzymatic activities and enhanced glycerol catabolism. These changes contribute positively to the phosphorylating respiration and to an increase in trehalose storage: both of which are longevity-promoting prerequisites. Full article

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is a valuable source of essential amino acids, especially sulphur-containing ones, which are generally lacking in leguminous crops, thus representing an alternative source of protein for both humans and farm animals. Rhizosphere soil samples from five experimental plots with mono- and mixed cultivations of three camelina cultivars, including two introduced varieties Cs1.Pro (Luna) and Cs2.Pro (Lenka) and one Bulgarian variety Cs3.Pro (local Bulgarian landrace) with variety 666 of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) (Cs3-Vs.Pro) and variety Mir of pea (Pisum sativum L.) (Cs3-Ps.Pro), were collected and analysed. The total DNA was isolated from the rhizosphere soils and the presence of the 16S rRNA gene was confirmed by amplification with the universal primer 16SV34. In the present study, the structure of the soil bacterial community in five different plots (Cs1.S.Pro, Cs2.S.Pro, Cs3.S.Pro, Cs3.Vs.S.Pro, and Cs3.Ps.S.Pro) where camelina was grown alone and by being intercropped with pea and vetch was analysed via a metagenomic approach. The number of observed species was highest in the local genotype of the camelina Cs3 grown alone, followed by soil from the intercropped variants Cs3-Vs and CsS-Ps. The soil bacterial communities differed between the sole cultivation of camelina and that grown with joint cultivation with vetch and peas, indicating that legumes considerably affected the growth and development of beneficial microorganisms by aspects such as nitrogen fixing, levels of nitrifying bacteria, and levels of phosphorus-dissolving bacteria, thus helping to provide better plant nutrition. The α-diversity indicated that bacterial communities in the rhizosphere were higher in soils intercropped with vetch and pea. The optical properties of cereals and legumes were determined by their energy structure, which includes both their occupied and free electronic energy levels and the energy levels of the atomic vibrations of the molecules or the crystal lattice. Full article

Oilseed by-products (Cynara cardunculus and Camelina sativa) (CCCS) are rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the health effects of consuming yogurt made from goat milk fed with CCCS industrial residues in adults. In this randomized, crossover clinical trial, 20 healthy adults (14F; 37.7 ± 14.2 years) consumed either yogurt made from goat milk fed with CCCS or regular goat yogurt (C) daily for 1 month in each phase. Anthropometric parameters and blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each phase. CCCS yogurt consumption resulted in a significant fat mass reduction (−1.8% and −1.1 kg) and fat-free mass increase (+1.5% and +0.9 kg). Regarding blood parameters, a non-significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol was observed, particularly after the CCCS intervention. Moreover, creatinine levels exhibited an opposite trend (p = 0.023) after CCCS, decreasing in subjects aged ≤30 years (−0.03 mg/dL) and increasing in older subjects (+0.05 mg/dL). Regarding inflammatory parameters, a non-significant trend in increased IL-1ra levels was observed especially after CCCS yogurt consumption compared to the C yogurt (+56.9 vs. +19.1 pg/mL, respectively). The use of unconventional feed derived from oilseed by-products for dairy goat feeding may have potential possible beneficial effects on human health. Full article

Oilseed plants are a valuable group of foods in human nutrition. Uncommon oilseed plants, such as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.), and black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), have been gaining increasing attention. The unique chemical compositions of these plants, which contribute to potential health benefits, underscore the importance of further exploration and study. The continuation of development of research in this field, resulting in the well-documented positive impact of these plants on human health, may lead to the possibility of them becoming new functional foods in the future. This review aims to present the potential health-promoting properties of the aforementioned uncommon oilseed plants based on recent literature reports and intends to inspire further exploration of their unique features. Among others, recent reports on the anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential, as well as the preventive potential in the case of metabolic diseases of these plants, were discussed. The importance of further development of these problems was also emphasized. Full article

Novel crop rotation is an important factor influencing the composition of soil microorganisms. However, the effect of introducing oilseed and cover crops (CCs) into monoculture durum rotations on soil microbial communities is not clear in the Northern Great Plains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2-year durum (Triticum durum D.) rotations with Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A.) or camelina (Camelina sativa L.) or a 10-species forage/CC mix planted to replace fallow rotations with wheat on soil microorganisms. This study was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications in a no-tillage system. The results showed that total bacterial proportion was significantly higher in durum following fallow and camelina compared to durum following CC and carinata. Total fungal proportion was significantly higher in durum following CC compared to durum following oilseed crops and fallow. The fungal-to-bacterial ratio was significantly higher in durum following CC compared to durum following camelina and fallow. The crop species, soil pH and highly variable rainfall influenced the microbial community dynamics. The abundance of specific microbial groups due to crop-related changes might play a key role in the yield of subsequent crops and soil biological health. This study provides valuable insights into the use of CC mix and oilseeds as an alternative crop for fallow in a wheat–fallow system under dryland farming conditions. Future work is required to elucidate the biological mechanisms and functions of the soil microbial communities in the preceding and subsequent crop relative to soil health and crop productivity. Full article