Brassica carinata explained

Brassica carinata is a species of flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family.[1] It is referred to by the common names Ethiopian rape or Ethiopian mustard. It is believed to be a hybrid between Brassica nigra and Brassica oleracea.[2]

The flowers attract honey bees to collect pollen and nectar.

Leaf uses

The plant has a mild flavor, and is eaten as a leaf vegetable. It is known as (Oromo: Raafuu); habesha gomen, (Amharic: ሐበሻ ጎመን).[3] Named varieties include Texsel, which is particularly adapted to temperate climates.[4] Cultivation of Ethiopia mustard as leaf vegetable is limited to small-scale production but it is slowly gaining popularity in rural as well as urban areas where commercial production is taking place.

Seed uses

Although Brassica carinata is cultivated as an oilseed crop in Ethiopia,[5] it has high levels of undesirable glucosinolates and erucic acid.[6] The closely related Brassica napus (rapeseed) is considered a better oilseed crop in comparison.

Brassica carinata has been used to develop an aviation biofuel for jet engines. On October 29, 2012, the first flight of a jet aircraft powered completely by biofuel, made from Brassica carinata, was completed.[7] [8] The byproduct of Brassica carinata oil production is utilized in protein meal for animal fodder.[9]

Industrial application

The oil quality profile includes a high percentage of erucic acid (40–45 %) making it highly desirable as a biofuel and for industrial applications such as production of plastics, lubricants, paints, leather tanning, soaps, and cosmetics.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brassica carinata A.Braun. . n.d.. World Flora Online. The World Flora Online Consortium. September 23, 2020.
  2. Prakash, S. and Hinata, K. (1980), "Taxonomy, cytogenetics and origin of crop Brassicas, a review", Opera Botanica, 55:1-57
  3. Zemede Asfaw, "Conservation and use of traditional vegetables in Ethiopia", Proceedings of the IPGRI International Workshop on Genetic Resources of Traditional Vegetables in Africa (Nairobi, 29–31 August 1995)
  4. Web site: Brassica carinata. Plants for a Future. 2008-06-10.
  5. Alemaheyu, N. and Becker, H. (2002), "Genotypic diversity and patterns of variation in a germplasm material of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun)", Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 49(6):573-582
  6. Getinet, A., Rakow, G., Raney, J. P. and Downey, R. K.(1997) "Glucosinolate content in interspecific crosses of Brassica carinata with B. juncea and B. napus", Plant Breeding 116 (1):39–46
  7. Web site: First solely-biofuel jet flight raises clean travel hopes . www.asdnews.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121114032038/http://www.asdnews.com/news-46032/First_solely-biofuel_jet_flight_raises_clean_travel_hopes.htm . 2012-11-14.
  8. Web site: NRC Flies World's First Civil Jet Powered by 100 Percent Biofuel. Aero-news Network. 21 November 2012. 7 November 2012.
  9. News: Pratt. Sean. Firm eager to ride the 'canola train' with carinata. 29 January 2018. The Western Producer. 11 May 2017.
  10. Kumar. Shivendra. Seepaul. Ramdeo. Mulvaney. Michael J.. Colvin. Blaire. George. Sheeja. Marois. Jim J.. Bennett. Rick. Leon. Ramon. Wright. David L.. Small. Ian M.. August 2020. Brassica carinata genotypes demonstrate potential as a winter biofuel crop in South East United States. Industrial Crops and Products. en. 150. 112353. 10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112353. free.

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