Heat and Drought Stress Response and Related Management Strategies in Oilseed Rape

Abstract

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops severely affected by heat or drought stress. Although the acreage and production of oilseed rape have been increasing steadily in the world, there are still serious concerns about edible oil demands supply for 9.1 billion by 2050. In addition, ongoing climate change and the susceptibility of oilseed rape to abiotic stresses threaten oilseed rape production in many parts of the world. Oilseed rape crops are particularly concerned with more frequent heat and drought stress. By facing oilseed rape crop with heat or drought stress, reduction in yield and yield component, oil concentration and change in fatty acids composition and phenological traits would be expected. On the other hand, there are several ways to mitigate the severe response of the plant to heat or drought stress such as detecting tolerant genotypes and modifying the planting method, sowing date, and tillage system. Additionally, optimization of plant growth regulators, fertilizers, bacterial growth regulators, and superabsorbent polymers is recommended to decrease the negative effects of drought or heat stress. Therefore, although heat or drought tolerance causes yield reduction but utilizing appropriate methods could reduce their disastrous effects.

Keywords

• abiotic stress
• brassica napus
• canola
• stress-tolerant indices