ScienceDaily (July 8, 2009) — 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. Rape seed oil is also known as canola oil.

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.

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by Society for Experimental Biology, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Related Stories

Lower Crop Yields Due To Ozone A Factor In World Food Crisis (June 9, 2008) — Heat waves, droughts and fuel prices are just a few reasons for the current global food crisis that is making headlines around the world. New research indicates that rising background levels of ozone ...  > read more

Oil Seed Rape Grown For Biofuel Can Help Clean Up Toxic Soils (Sep. 10, 2008) — Oil seed rape grown for biofuel in Ireland could help clean up contaminated soils, scientists ...  > read more

Surface-Level Ozone Pollution Set To Reduce Tree Growth 10% By 2100 (Dec. 10, 2008) — Modern day concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are decreasing the growth of trees in the northern and temperate mid-latitudes, according to new research. Tree growth, measured in biomass, ...  > read more

Rising Surface Ozone Reduces Plant Growth And Adds To Global Warming (July 27, 2007) — Scientists have just released new findings that could have major implications for food production and global warming in the 21st century. Researchers have found that projections of increasing ozone ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily

Overseas Pollution Hitting The U.S.