Influence of Nitrogen Nutrition on Fatty Acids in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen nutrition on the content of fatty acids and selected qualitative parameters (nitrogenous substances, ash, crude fiber) in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The experiment was carried out at the Vígľaš—Pstruša Research and Breeding Station in 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 by complete block design with four repetitions. Nitrogen fertilization was applied at four levels, plus an untreated control (after agrochemical soil analysis) by DAN 27 (Dolomite Ammonium Nitrate): 100, 120, 140, and 160 kg/ha N. Application date was in BBCH scale phase 59–60. The fatty acid contents (MUFA—monosaturated fatty acids; PUFA—polyunsaturated fatty acids) were determined by gas chromatography in the extracted fat, which is determined by extraction method. Within the result evaluation, statistically significant increases in the contents of linoleic and linolenic acids were recorded in all variants treated by nitrogen fertilizer, which is positive in terms of the use of rapeseed oil for food and energy purposes. The statistically significant decrease of oleic acid after the application of nitrogen fertilizers is negative for industry use of rapeseed oil.