Non-food Brassicas for green chemistry purposes through a biorefinery approach

The valorization of Brassica oilseed crops, starting from the agronomical phase up to the exploitation of the derived products, was studied. Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz applications in biorefineries is of deep interest, given the high added value of its oil and oilseed cake residue. Camelina was evaluated as a case study for the cultivation in the Po valley. In such conditions, camelina has shown to be potentially well adaptable and had a positive impact on the yields of the subsequent crop. Thus, studies on camelina management and its impact on soil properties deserve more attention. Novel Brassica defatted seed meals (DSMs), containing different glucosinolates, were applied in the control of the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White Chitwood) in controlled glasshouse conditions. Among different Brassica DSMs, the best results in the reduction of M. incognita infestation were achieved by Eruca sativa, Barbarea verna and Brassica nigra DSMs. These first results open new perspectives for innovative bioactive molecules for biofumigation applied in cropping systems where nematode suppression is critical. Finally, the effect of Brassica DSMs, applied in formulations with and without crude glycerin, on seed germination inhibition was evaluated. The most effective formulations were applied in in vitro and glasshouse trials to evaluate the germination inhibition of black-grass (Alopecurus myosuriodes Huds.). Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the effectiveness of Brassica DSMs formulated with glycerin, especially B. nigra, in germination inhibition. Among different advantages, the proposed formulations for weed control are completely bio-based, organic farming friendly, present a good fertilizing properties and a combined effect both on weeds and on soil borne pests and diseases.