Partition of Photosynthates and Energy Production in Different Flax Cultivars

Abstract

Two field trials were carried out in the Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Research Centre at Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate during 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons to evaluate seven fibre flax, i.e., Wiko, Nike, Alba, Viking, Texa and Belinka genotypes as well as two dual purpose flax, i.e., Giza 5 and Giza 6 in relation to energy production. The results showed that flax cultivars differed significantly in photosynthate partitions. Significant differences were obtained in carbohydrates, protein and oil percentage of vegetative organs, seeds and straw, except protein percentage of straw which responded insignificantly. Glucose required for synthesis of chemical constituents, carbon equivalent in vegetative organs, straw and seeds differed significantly in all investigated flax cultivars under investigation. Energy yield plant^?1 and hectare ^_1 for straw and seeds yield also differed significantly. All investigated flax cultivars showed significant differences in yield as well as its components.

Broad sense heritability and coefficient of variation were estimated for all investigated flax cultivars. Heritability ranged between 60.93% for number of capsules plant ^_1 and 90.74% for seed index.     

A comparison of the chemical composition of the seeds of linseed and pea cultivars grown in pure stands or mixtures

A three-year field experiment was conducted to compare the chemical composition of the seeds of two linseed-pea mixtures, that is the cv. ‘Flanders’ with the cv. ‘Ramrod’ and cv. ‘Barbara’ with cv. ‘Phönix’. The results indicate that the chemical composition of the seeds of the linseed cultivars was not significantly affected by the sowing method, indicating that the species traits of linseed are constant. The mixed sowing increased the content of threonine and proline in the protein of the Flanders cultivar seeds and slightly increased the protein content of the seeds of both linseed cultivars in the mixtures with pea.     

Development of Resource-Saving Technology of Linseed Harvesting

ABSTRACT

The traditional technology of linseed harvesting involves the cutting of the stems with subsequent threshing. During cutting part of the stem remains on the field, which causes significant losses of fibrous raw materials. Threshing of stems by traditional technology also causes significant damage to the linseed straw. Developed resource-saving technology of linseed harvesting provides first linseed thrashing on the plants with subsequent pulling of stems. With this sequence of technological operations, all linseed stems and seeds are preserved without damage. For the implementation of resource-saving technology proposed design of flax thresher and flax puller. The results of experimental studies of the properties of linseed fibre obtained from the linseed showed that such fibre is suitable for the production of non-woven materials, technical textiles and paper. The introduction of resource-saving technology of linseed harvesting will save the harvest of seeds and straw with minimal losses and damage. Resource-saving technology will increase the profitability of linseed cultivation.     

Assessment of the microbiological safety of edible dried seeds from retail premises in the United Kingdom with a focus on Salmonella spp.

Sesame seed products have recently been associated with a number of Salmonella outbreaks in the UK and elsewhere. Aside from sesame seeds, there is little published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in edible seeds. A study of 3735 samples of retail edible dried seeds in the UK was therefore carried out between October 2007 and March 2008 to assess their microbiological safety in relation to Salmonella contamination and levels of Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination. Overall, Salmonella was detected in 23 samples (0.6%), of which over half (57%) were sesame seeds. Other seeds contaminated with Salmonella were linseed (1 sample), sunflower (1 sample), alfalfa (1 sample), melon (4 samples) and mixed seeds (3 samples). E. coli was detected in 9% of samples, with 1.5% containing unsatisfactory levels (≥10²/g). These included melon, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, poppy, linseed, sunflower and mixed seeds. The UK retailers affected by the detection of Salmonella in their products recalled the contaminated batches, and Food Standards Agency food alerts were issued to advise against the consumption of affected seed products. This study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and effective decontamination procedures during the production of these products.     

Comparative studies of some local oil seeds and seed cakes

A survey on the chemical constituents (protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron) of 4 seeds and their cakes was done. These seeds are safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius variety Giza 1), sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus variety Giza 1), linseeds (Linum usitatissimum variety Giza 4) and imported rape seeds (Brassica napus Erglue). Caloric value of these seeds and seed cakes was calculated, PER, NPR and NPU were determined. No great variation was found with respect to the moisture content. The 4 seeds are rich in protein and fat. The ash content varies from (5.11 ± 0.26)% to (3.17 ± 0.13)%. The fiber content was low in both safflower and sunflower seeds and higher in both linseeds and rape seeds. The caloric values of the different seeds were very close. The seeds were found to be rich in phosphorus and low in calcium and contain considerable amounts of iron. The average PER values were 1.51, 1.61, 1.59, 1.84 and 2.50 for safflower seed cake, sunflower seed cake, linseed cake, rape seed cake and casein diet respectively. The average NPR was 3.11, 2.84, 2.84, 3.05 and 3.53 for safflower seed cake, sunflower seed cake, linseed cake, rape seed cake and casein respectively. The NPU values of the seed meals were 48.5, 49.3, 47.4 and 93.6 compared with 67.8 for casein. Using the different criteria (PER, NPR and NPU), it was clear that the protein quality of sunflower seed is very close to that of the linseed. Comparing the protein quality of safflower seed with those of both sunflower and linseed, NPU was in the same range, while PER was somewhat lower and NPR was higher than those of safflower and sunflower seed.     

Some effects of straw residues and cultivation system on tillering in winter wheat

Straw residues can reduce the yield of a following cereal crop, perhaps through an effect on tillering. Over two years we measured tillering of winter wheat on a clay soil where straw was either burnt or chopped and returned. Seed was direct drilled in the first year and direct drilling was compared with conventional sowing after ploughing in the second year. Straw had no marked effect on the production per plant of the first three main tillers. Direct drilling resulted in earlier tillering and more tillers per plant than conventional sowing after ploughing, but this was not reflected in grain yields calculated from components of yield. Part of the tillering effect may have been caused by differences in sowing depth.     

Effect of Nutrient Supply on the Quality of Linseed and Hempseed

Abstract

Studies on the effect of nutrient supplies on the seed quality of linseed and hemp are important both for improvements in the fertilizer extension service and for the consumer sector. The results of experiments set up on chernozem soil with 64 fertilizer treatments provided information on the relationship between nutrient supplies and seed quality. The data indicated that excessive N supplies reduced the oil content of linseed. The seed protein content increased as the N supplies improved. The P supplies had little influence on the oil and protein contents. The fatty acid composition of linseed was influenced to a greater extent by the year than by the nutrient supplies. The N supplies only caused a change in the amino acid composition of linseed when there was a substantial increase in the protein content. The effect of P supplies on the amino acid composition depended on the year. N and P fertilization had no effect on the oil content of hempseeds. Better N supplies increased the protein content and the total quantity of amino acids, but had no influence on the ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids. The fatty acid composition of hempseed was not affected by the N and P supplies.     

Comparison of the growth pattern and Rosharinic acid production in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) shoots and genetically transformed callus cultures

Abstract

Rosmarinic acid is a natural antioxidant and is found as a secondary metabolite in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It is of interest in food preservation due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Previously maintained shoot‐based clonal line of rosemary designated as R‐l (based on RA content, total phenolics content, tolerance to Pseudomonas sp and RA stimulation) was used in this study to compare RA biosynthesis in shoot vs callus cultures. Callus cultures were generated from shoot cultures of R‐l line following transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes‐containing a natural plasmid that alters plant development. The shoot and transformed callus cultures of R‐l were isolated and maintained separately on hormone free Murashige and Skoog medium (MS/HF). The effect of light and dark conditions on callus growth and RA production was investigated. RA biosynthesis in shoot cultures was also compared due to its relevance to greenhouse production and organ culture. We found that callus maintained in light grows more rapidly when compared to shoot grown in light and callus grown in dark. The ratio of biomass accumulated by callus (Light): callus (Dark): Shoot was 4:1:1 based on fresh weight and 4:1:2 based on dry weight. The ratio of peak RA levels (expressed mg/g DW) was 1:1:10. RA production in callus was small compared to shoot and light had no effect on peak RA level in the callus system, but it effected the growth rate significantly.     

Lupine protein enrichment by milling and electrostatic separation

Lupine seeds are excellent source of plant protein. We here report on dry fractionation by combining milling and electrostatic separation providing an alternative to wet extraction of protein from lupine seeds. Relatively coarse milling was preferred as this provides sufficient detached protein bodies with less agglomeration of particles. After a single separation step a fraction with protein content 57.3 g/100 g dry solids was obtained. After three successive steps protein content was increased further to 65.0 g/100 g dry solids. By extra milling and recycling the fractions with comparable protein content as the flour, yield was improved without compromising protein content. A final fraction with protein content 65.1 g/100 g dry solids and yield of 6% was obtained, which means 10% of protein in the flour was recovered. Based on our findings an optimised scheme for protein enrichment from lupine seeds by combining milling and electrostatic separation is proposed.Industrial relevanceLupine seeds are an excellent source of plant protein. Wet extraction of protein from lupine seeds consumes large amounts of water and energy. Alternatively, dry fractionation is more sustainable and retains the native functional properties of the protein. Previously, it was shown that dry milling and electrostatic separation could be used to further enrich protein from lupine flour. In this study, the process was further investigated with a new custom-build bench scale electrostatic separator. We found that a lupine protein concentrate could be obtained with higher purity compared to conventional air classification and earlier lab-scale experiments. Subsequently, a scheme was developed to improve the yield of the lupine protein concentrate without compromising the purity, and this provides a guideline for scaling-up this technique for industrial application.     

Consortium Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Pseudomonas fluorescens with Various Levels of Superphosphate on Growth Improvement of Cotton (G. arboreum L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to see the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, i.e., Funneliformis mosseae and Acaulospora laevis to cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens in the presence of different doses of superphosphate, i.e., 750 mg/3 kg soil (half of the recommended dose), 1500 mg/3 kg soil (recommended dose), 3000 mg/3 kg soil (double than the recommended dose) with five replicates resulted in effective plant height, shoot and root biomass, root length, leaf area, root colonization, AM spore number, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, shoot and root P content, fiber yield, and acidic and alkaline phosphatase activity. All growth parameters like plant height, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, root length, leaf area, AM spore number, percent mycorrhizal root colonization, total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, acidic and alkaline phosphatase activity, shoot and root phosphorus content, fiber yield were highest in combination F. mosseae + P. fluorescens of lower concentration. Higher dose of superphosphate markedly reduced or decreased all the growth parameters. So, vigorous growth and maximum yield of cotton can be achieved by inoculation of plant with AM fungi (F. mosseae), P. fluorescens along with half of the recommended dose of superphosphate/lower concentration.     

春播与复播油葵产量形成及群体生理参数比较研究

在新疆石河子地区,在滴灌、种植密度和田间配置方式相同的条件下,比较了春播与复播油葵品种新葵20号产量形成及群体生理参数。结果表明,春播条件下,生育期、生物产量、籽实产量、收获指数分别为97d、9271．9kg／hm^2、4349．Okg,／hm^2、0．47,复播条件下则分别为94d、14413．5kg／hm^2、4106．4kg／hm^2、0．35。春播和复播的最大叶面积指数（LAImax）分别为4．54和5．52。每公顷春播的光合势（LAD）为93．25m。d,开花后占77．6％;复播则为94．12m。d,开花后占82．9％。春、复播全生育期平均净同化率（NAR）分别为3．67、5．26g／（m^2·d）。采用更早熟的品种,提早播种,使灌浆提前,加之使用植物生长调节剂以增强光合产物向籽实转移,有望进一步提高复播油葵产量。     

Interactive effect of supplemental ultraviolet B and elevated ozone on seed yield and oil quality of two cultivars of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) carried out in open top chambers

BACKGROUND: Current scenarios of global climate change predict a significant increase in ultraviolet B (UV‐B) and tropospheric ozone (O₃) in the near future. Both UV‐B and O₃ can have detrimental effects on the productivity and yield quality of important agricultural crops. The present study was conducted to investigate the individual and interactive effects of supplemental UV‐B (sUV‐B) (ambient + 7.2 kJ m^?2 day^?1) and O₃ (ambient + 10 ppb) on the yield and oil quality of two cultivars of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). RESULTS: The mean monthly ambient O₃ concentration varied from 27.7 to 59.0 ppb during the experimental period. O₃ affected fruit formation, while sUV‐B was mainly responsible for ovule abortion. Seed sugar and protein contents showed maximum reduction in O₃‐treated plants, while mineral nutrient levels were most affected by sUV‐B + O₃ treatment. Rancid oil of low nutritional quality and containing long‐chain fatty acids was favoured along with a decrease in oil content. CONCLUSION: sUV‐B and O₃ individually as well as in combination caused deterioration of the yield and quality of oil and seeds of linseed. However, the individual effect of O₃ was more damaging than the effect of sUV‐B or sUV‐B + O₃, and cultivar T‐397 performed better than Padmini. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

The Impact of Environmental Factors and Applied Agronomy on Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Flax Fiber

According to the Liebieg’s law—in many regions of Europe, the main limiting factor that affects very often flax yield are weather conditions (precipitation). Resistance to drought stress of 51 flax genotypes was evaluated in pot trials (2002–2012). Controlled drought stress (62.5% optimal soil humidity) caused a decrease in fiber yield by 39.7–49.3% and a substantial drop in quality. Among the tested cultivars, the ones that gave relatively promising yields in conditions of water deficit were: Sara [PL], Ilona [NL], Modran [PL], Escalina [NL], Luna [PL], Aliz?e [FR], Artemida [PL], Selena [PL], Modran [PL], Nike [PL], and Venica [CZ]. Relatively good yields of fiber for these varieties were the result of the good yields of straw.

In field trials carried out on two types of soil (pseudosolic and black soil), the highest fiber yield with good quality was obtained using: (1) sowing density of 2 800 seeds m^?2, (2) row sowing, (3) harvesting time at green-yellow maturity stage (BBCH 83). Higher plant densities using row sowing resulted in higher fiber content (% in straw) together with better quality (tex). Earlier harvest times (BBCH 75, BBCH 79) allowed for obtaining very thin fiber. The content of pectin and lignin in the fiber increased with harvesting delay.     

Interactions between plants in intercropped maize and common bean

BACKGROUND: Intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can give silage yields that are as high as with monocropped maize, but with more crude protein. Interactions between maize and common bean intercropped in the UK were assessed at a range of plant densities (maize 100 000, 75 000 and 50 000 plants ha^?1 and beans at a fixed density of 50 000 plants ha^?1). RESULTS: In monoculture, maize yield per plant increased as planting density decreased from 100 000 to 50 000 plants ha^?1. At a density of 50 000 maize plants ha^?1, both dry weight yield per plant and shoot N concentrations of maize were greater when intercropped with 50 000 Type III (bush‐type) bean plants ha^?1 than in monoculture (196.4 g plant^?1 and 167.0 g plant^?1; 21.6 g N kg^?1 dry mass and 17.4 g N kg^?1 dry mass, respectively), but intercropping Type IV (climbing) beans at this density combination had no effects on either maize plant weight or shoot N concentration. Invariably, however, the beans grown at 50 000 plants ha^?1 were adversely affected by competition with maize at all densities. Weight per plant of both Type III (bush‐type) and Type IV (climbing) beans grown in competition with 50 000 maize plants ha^?1 was only about half that of when grown alone. Intercropping gave increased mycorrhizal colonization of both species, especially in unfertilized plots, and gave a higher shoot N concentration in the maize. The beans had more nodules in the intercrop than in the monocrop. CONCLUSIONS: Intercropping maize with Type III common bean at 50 000 plants of each species ha^?1 increases yield per maize plant above that of monoculture maize at 50 000 plants ha^?1, despite plant density being doubled. This increase is brought about by increased maize shoot N concentration. Mycorrhizal infection of both species, and bean plant nodulation, are stimulated, and N moves from the beans to the maize. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Survey of Czech Breeding Methods,Development of the New Czech Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)Variety Venica-The Way of Breeding and Agronomical Properties of Flax and Linseed Cultivars Registered in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The paper presents the main goals, trends, and methods of flax and linseed breeding carried out in the Czech Republic. The list of registered flax and linseed varieties accompanied by their agronomical characteristics is presented. The breeding method of the last registered flax variety Venica, as well as its agronomical properties, are described.     

Effects of feeding rapeseed oil, soybean oil, or linseed oil on stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression in the mammary gland of dairy cows

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is an important enzyme in the bovine mammary gland, and it introduces a double bond at the Δ⁹ location of primarily myristoyl-, palmitoyl-, and stearoyl-CoA. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of various fatty acids (FA) typically present in dairy cow rations on the expression of SCD1 and SCD5 in the mammary gland of dairy cows. Twenty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were a basal diet supplemented (dry matter basis) with 2.7% rapeseed oil as a source of C18:1 cis-9; 2.7% soybean oil as a source of C18:2 cis-9,12; 2.7% linseed oil as a source of C18:3 cis-9,12,15; or 2.7% of a 1:1:1 mixture of the 3 oils. The oil supplements were included in the concentrate, which was fed together with corn silage and grass silage. In addition, cows were grazing on pasture, consisting mainly of perennial ryegrass, during the day. Biopsies from the mammary gland were taken and analyzed for mRNA expression of SCD1 and SCD5 by using quantitative real-time PCR. Milk yield as well as milk protein and fat contents did not differ among the 4 dietary treatments. Dietary supplementation with rapeseed oil and linseed oil increased proportions of C18:1 cis-9 and C18:3 cis-9,12,15 in blood plasma, respectively, compared with the other treatments. Supplementation with soybean oil and linseed oil increased milk FA proportions of C18:2 cis-9,12 and C18:3 cis-9,12,15, respectively, but supplementation with rapeseed oil did not increase C18:1 cis-9 in milk. Mammary SCD1 expression was reduced by supplementation of soybean oil compared with rapeseed oil and linseed oil. In contrast, SCD5 expression did not differ among the 4 treatments. The C16 and C18 desaturation indices, representing proxies for SCD activity, were lower for the soybean oil diet compared with the diet supplemented with a mixture of the 3 oils. In conclusion, our study shows that mammary SCD1 expression is significantly downregulated in dairy cows by feeding unprotected soybean oil compared with rapeseed oil or linseed oil, and this is partially reflected by the lower desaturase indices in the milk. Furthermore, mammary SCD5 expression appears to be differently regulated than expression of SCD1.     

Effect of dietary vitamin E on rumen biohydrogenation pathways and milk fat depression in dairy cows fed high-fat diets

Six lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a replicated Latin square design to test the effect of dietary vitamin E on milk fat depression and on the increased production of milk trans-10 C18:1 classically observed when feeding high doses of unsaturated fatty acids with low-fiber diets. Two diets (linseed diet and linseed diet + 12,000 IU of vitamin E/d) were compared during 2 periods of 21 d. The linseed diet presented a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 50:50 and contained extruded linseed (1.86 kg/d) and linseed oil (190 g/d). It was conceived to favor the “trans-11 to trans-10 shift” (low structural value and high level of unsaturated fatty acids). Milk yield and protein content were not affected by the diets. Milk of cows fed the linseed diet presented the typical symptoms of milk fat depression associated with a shift in biohydrogenation pathways: low fat content and high level of trans-10 C18:1. However, the high dose of dietary vitamin E provided significantly increased milk fat content (by 17.93%) and yield (by 15.56%) and decreased trans-10 C18:1 content (by 47.06%). In addition, it managed to significantly increase the daily yields of vaccenic (by 102.56%) and rumenic acids (by 56.67%). However, the sequence of administration of vitamin E influenced its effect, as vitamin E seemed to be more active in limiting the “trans-11 to trans-10 shift” when it was incorporated in the diet simultaneously with the fat. Once the shift had occurred, the subsequent addition of vitamin E was no longer able to completely counteract this process.     

Cultivation of Fiber and Oil Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) in No-Tillage and Conventional Systems. Part II. Influence of No-Tillage and Use of Herbicides on Yield and Weed Infestation of Oil Flax and the Physical and Biological Properties of the Soil

No-tillage methods can help to reduce expenditures and improve profitability of the agricultural production. This issue has been widely discussed for the cultivation of many species, but there are no data on the subject concerning oilseed flax. The field experiments were conducted in the years that vary widely in the course of temperature and precipitation. Tillage method significantly affected the yield of flax in the interaction with the weather conditions. In the dry year, the cultivation method did not differentiate the flax yield, while in the optimum moisture year no-till resulted in a reduction of yield compared to conventional tillage. Weed control with herbicide has contributed to increased yield of linseed but the level of increase was higher with no-till compared to conventional cultivation. The number and weight of weeds in no-tillage flax was 50% lower comparing to conventional plowing in both variants of weed control. Weed control decreased the number and weight of weeds also by 50% regardless of cultivation method applied. Cultivation systems affect the size and composition of the soil microbial populations. No-tillage contributed to an increase of humic substances content in the soil environment, the quantity of soil bacteria, and the population structure.     

Rapeseed or linseed supplements in grass-based diets: effects on dairy performance of Holstein cows over 2 consecutive lactations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term supplementation with different oilseeds rich in 18:1 cis-9 or 18:3n-3 fatty acids on dairy cow performance over 2 consecutive lactations. This trial involved 58 Holstein cows during the first year and 35 during the second year. During the first 5 wk of the first year, all of the cows were fed the same diet; after a 4-wk transition period, the cows received 1 of 5 treatments for 2 consecutive lactations, including the dry period. Their basal diet was supplemented or not with extruded linseeds or with different forms of rapeseeds: extruded seeds, cold-pressed fat-rich meal, or whole unprocessed seeds. Oilseed amount was calculated to provide 2.5 to 3.0% additional oil in ration dry matter. Cows were fed a grass-based diet (75% grass silage and 25% hay) during indoor periods and grazed during outdoor periods. For the first year of experimentation, oilseed supplementation had no effect on milk, fat, protein, and lactose yields, body weight, or body condition score compared with the control treatment (no oilseed supplementation). During the indoor period, extruded linseed tended to decrease dry matter intake (-1.5 kg/d), whereas all of the oilseed treatments decreased milk protein content without changing protein yield. Cold-pressed fat-rich rapeseed meal decreased milk protein content independently of the period (-0.29 and -0.19 g/100 g for indoor and outdoor periods, respectively), and whole unprocessed rapeseed increased milk fat content during the outdoor period (+0.53 g/100 g compared with the control treatment). During the second year of experimentation, the effects of oilseed supplementation during the outdoor period were similar to those observed during the first outdoor period, but the effects of oilseed supplementation differed between the 2 indoor periods. This was likely due to changes in forage quality and composition and percentage in the ration of the concentrate mixtures. Thus, the effects of oilseed supplementation depended on oilseed nature (rapeseed or linseed) and form (extruded seeds, cold-pressed fat-rich meal, or whole unprocessed seeds) in interaction with the type of basal diet (grass silage and hay or pasture) and the concentrate composition and percentage in the ration. Effects were stable during the first indoor period, repeatable between the 2 outdoor periods, and were similar to effects observed previously in short-term studies (1 to 3 mo).     

Nanostructured alumina as seed protectant against three stored-product insect pests

Nanoparticles represent a promising technology to enhance the efficacy of bioactive materials and a large number of studies showed the effectiveness of nanostructured materials against various arthropod species of economic importance. In this work nanostructured alumina (NSA) was prepared using sol-gel method and the effect of NSA was evaluated as seed protectant against the main seed-infesting insect pests Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) Stegobium paniceum (L.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Besides, we tested the effects of NSA on seed germination and plant growth and finally, we assessed the presence of NSA as a contaminant in the leaves of bean plants germinated from NSA-treated seeds. The results showed significant insecticidal activity of NSA against the three tested species. After sixteen days, the percentage of insect mortality at the highest NSA concentration tested (400 mg kg⁻¹) was 100.00% for S. paniceum followed by O. surinamensis (80.64%) and T. confusum (79.41%). Besides, in-vitro tests indicated that NSA has no effects on seeds germination and on radicle and shoot elongation. No effects of NSA were also observed in pot tests on the bean’s plants. No differences were recorded in the leaves area, stoma density and roots length. On the contrary, the shoot of plants from NSA-treated beans was about 66% higher than the one of the non-treated plants (shoot, 15.07 cm for the control and 22.76 cm for NSA-treated plants). Finally, no contamination by alumina particles was found by EDX-system coupled with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on the surface of the P. vulgaris leaves obtained from NSA-treated beans. Overall, the results showed that NSA could be an effective protective agent for the control insect pests during the seeds storage.