Biotech Studies 1995, Vol 4, Num, 2     (Pages: 053-058)

RAPESEED (Brassica napus and Brassica campestris) A NEW OILSEED CROP FOR TURKEY

Aynur KURAL

1 Tarla Bitkileri Merkez Araş. Enst. Ankara - Rapeseed (Brassica napus and Brassica campestris L.) is an important oil crop in many parts of the world. Rapeseed is well-adapted to cool, moist growing conditions and requires fewer heat units than either soybean or sunflower for maturity. Rapeseed oil can be used for human consumption (Canola) and ındustrial purposes. Oil from Canola cultivars must contain less than 2% erucic acid compared with 40-45% in industrial use rape varieties. The meal remaining after oil extraction of Canola seed must contain less than 1% glikosinolate sulfur compounds compared with leves of 10% in meal from on industrial use cultivar. Rapeseed contains average 45% oil, 25% protein, 20% polysaccharides. Oleic acid makes rapeseed oil different from other oilseed crops oil and it provides rapeseed as `Winter Field Olive`. Rapeseed contains around 65% oleic acid which reduces coronary hearth diseases risk by decreasing serum cholesterol level. It is appropriate for deep frying, cooking and margarine. It has appreciable shelf life.

Rapeseed grows best on well-drained clay-loam soil and is tolerant to saline conditions. It usually follows cereal crops in rotation. Seedbed must be fim to seed at an uniform shallow (2,5 cm) depth with 500-800 g/da seeding rate and 30 cm row spacing. Planting must be done early enough in the fall so that to form at least five to eight true leaves. Fertilizer need is as it is in cereal crops. Crop must be harvested when the seeds have turned from green to brown, moisture must be less than 10%. Keywords : Rapeseed; Brassica napus; Brassica campestris