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June 29, 2009
Source:
Society for Experimental
Biology
High ozone conditions cause a 30%
decrease in yield and an increase in the concentration of a
group of toxic compounds within oilseed rape plants. Combined
with the results of previous studies which have shown a decrease
in oil, protein and carbohydrate content of oilseed rape seeds
in high ozone, these results (to be presented at the
Society for Experimental
Biology Annual Main Meeting in Glasgow on 29th June 2009)
could signal a significant income loss for farmers and an
indirect effect on human health and the safety of food in future
climates.
The research, to be presented by Maarten De Bock of the
University of
Antwerp, showed changes in the concentration of
glucosinolates, a family of compounds involved in plant defences
against herbivores, in oilseed rape plants. Such changes could
influence crop resistance to insect pests, or the palatability
of food crops. As oilseed rape is important as a feed crop,
increased levels of glucosinolates may cause problems due to the
large quantities of fodder consumed by farm animals. For human
consumption, however, an increase in glucosinolates, in cabbage
plants for example, would be favourable due to their
anticarcinogenic properties. Interaction of these factors and
their impact on the food web in changing climates will be
investigated further throughout the course of this ongoing
project. |
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