Exploring high-yield oilseeds: A study of rapeseed and camelina varieties as valuable sources of oil and protein

Abstract

Oilseeds such as camelina and rapeseed are cultivated primarily for their high-quality oil. The oil de-rived from both crops is characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phenols, and vitamin E. The camelina and rapeseed oils are applied in various branches of industry including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and for obtaining biofuels. These oilseeds synthesize a significant amount of protein. These oilseeds play a major role in addressing the growing issue of protein deficit in the diets of people worldwide because of their high protein content. Efforts in breeding are essential to develop genotypes with high yield and protein content, while also maintaining high oil content and ensuring adaptability to climatic changes. During 2022/2023, various genotypes of rapeseed and camelina were grown in the experimental fields of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad in order to select varieties with ideal attributes. Among these, genotype NS Svetlana exhibited the highest oil content of 44.85 %, whereas genotype NS Dunav demonstrated the highest protein content of 24%. While camelina generally presented lower oil content compared to rapeseed, Genotype III stood out with a maximum oil content of 37.82%. Camelina also displayed significantly higher protein content than rapeseed. Protein content in camelina reached 26.59% in the case of Genotype I.

Keywords

• agricultural sustainability
• breeding
• camelina
• high-yield verities
• oilseeds
• rapeseed
• sustainable protein