Sodium nitroprusside as a signal molecule for up-regulating membrane characteristics,antioxidant defense system to improve flax productivity under water stress

Water stress is a critical environmental adversity that significantly impacts the growth,development,and yield of flax plants.In this study,flax seeds were cultivated under different water irrigation requirements(WIR)(100%,75%,and 50%)to investigate the effects of exogenously supplied nitric oxide(NO)donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)as foliar treatments at concentrations of 0.0 mmol/L,0.5 mmol/L,1.0 mmol/L,and 2.0 mmol/L.Drought stress led to a significant decrease in plant growth,photosynthetic pigments,yield components such as oil and total carbohydrate percentage.It also resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 production,lipid peroxidation levels and activities of enzymatic antioxidants including polyphenol oxidase,superoxide dismutase,and nitrate reductase enzymes.However,foliar application of SNP improved photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant defense system which mitigated the negative impact of water stress on growth and yield productivity by reducing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species accumulation.The use of SNP also decreased H_(2)O_(2) accumulation levels,lipid peroxidation levels,and improved membrane stability.SNP treatment at concentration of 2 mmol/L showed superior results compared to other concentrations with extremely significant increases observed in yield characteristics such as oil content,total carbohydrate percentages,and unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio.

Performance Assessment of Some Flax (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i>L.) Varieties Using Cluster Analysis under Sandy Soil Conditions

To assess the performance and the variability of 49 flax varieties based on agronomic parameters using cluster analysis, a field experiment was conducted in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 winter seasons at the farm of the National Research Center at Nubria district, Albehira Governorate, Egypt. The results revealed high significant difference among all flax varieties in all the studied characters. Letwania-9 and Evelen cultivars surpassed all other varieties in seed and oil yields/fed. On the other hand, D variety gave the lowest value of seed yield/fed and F variety gave the lowest values of oil% and oil yield/fed. While, G Variety surpassed all other varieties in straw yield/fed. Blanka variety recorded the lowest values of straw yield/fed and biological yield/fed, while, Posna variety gave the lowest values of technical stem length (cm). In cluster analysis, all the studied characters were used to construct a distance matrix using the Euclidian coefficient, and generate dendrogram showing dissimilarity among all the varieties. Distance coefficient was ranged from 1.2 between Piltstar and Litwania-1 varieties and 10.8 between Posna and G varieties, which reveal the genetic diversity among varieties. The varieties can be divided into 4 groups based on cluster analysis.

The properties of flax fiber reinforced wood flour/high density polyethylene composites

Flax fiber(FF) was used to reinforce wood flour/high density polyethylene composites(WF/PE).WF/PE particles were uniformly mixed with FF via high-speed mixing and then extruded with a single screw extruder to prepare FF reinforced WF/PE composites(FF/WF/PE).Mechanical testing,dynamic mechanical analysis,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),creep measurement and Torque rheology were used to characterize the resulting composites.The results indicate that the mechanical performance of the composites could be remarkably improved by adding a limited amount of FF.The flexural strength and modulus increased by 14.6 and 51.4%,respectively(FF content of 9 wt%),while the unnotched impact strength could be increased by 26.5%(FF content of12 wt%).The creep resistance and toughness of thecomposite was markedly improved without changing the plastic content of the composite material.

The Role of Humic Acid and Proline on Growth, Chemical Constituents and Yield Quantity and Quality of Three Flax Cultivars Grown under Saline Soil Conditions

In order to mitigate the salinity effects on flax grown on moderate saline sandy soil (3275 - 3430 ppm) and irrigated with moderate saline water (2300 - 2460 ppm) field experiments were carried out at the experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadi El-Natrun district El-Behera Governorate—Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. Three flax varieties (Opal, Giza-8 and Mayic) were grown and treated with some chemical additives humic acid (50 kg/fed) and/or foliar applied proline (Control, 50 and 100 mg/L). The results showed the positive responses of Giza-8 variety to the combined application of humic acid and proline and mitigated the salinity effects of soil and irrigation water and reflected on most of the studied characters. Such results indicate the potentiality of mitigation the hazardous effect of salinity with these chemical additives. The data indicated that the highest seed yield, straw yield and oil yield were obtained at humic acid (50 kg/fed) with foliar treatment of proline at rate of (100 mg/L). The interaction of proline at (100 mg/L) with humic acid at rate of (50 kg/fed) improved plant fresh and dry weight in all flax cultivars under salinity conditions. Fresh weight increased by 66.6%, 48.7% and 65.5% over controls for Opal, Giza-8 and Mayic varieties, respectively. The interaction of proline at (100 mg/L) with humic acid at rate of (50 kg/fed) with Giza-8 variety gave the highest values of seed yield, straw yield and oil yield.

Effect of Humic Acid, Mycorrhiza Inoculation, and Biochar on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Flax under Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

In order to examine the application of different soil and foliar organic fertilizers as well as biofertilizing flax under sandy soil conditions, two field experiments were carried out at the Research and Production Station of the National Research Centre (NRC), Al Nubaria district, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 winter seasons. The trials aimed to study the effect of humic acid (HA) as low cost natural fertilizer, inoculation with mycorrhiza, and biocharcoal on on yield, quality and water use efficiency of flax variety (Amon) under newly reclaimed sandy soil. The treatments consisted of HA (25 kg/feddan), inoculation with mycorrhiza (1 kg/ feddan), and biochar (4 tons/feddan) and all the combinations among the treatments. Results showed that the treatment combination of (humic acid + mycorrhiza + biochar) was significantly superior compared to all the other treatments in number of capsules/plant, biological yield/plant (g), seed yield/plant (g), seed yield (kg/feddan), straw yield (tons/feddan), oil percent (%), and oil yield (kg/feddan). However, it gave the highest fruiting zone length (cm) but not significantly different from (mycorrhiza + biochar) and (humic acid + biochar), also it gave the highest seed index (g) but not significantly different from humic acid and (humic acid + mycorrhiza). The treatment combination of (humic acid + biochar) gave the highest plant height (cm), technical stem length (cm), and number of branches/plant.

Setting kinetics and mechanical properties of flax fibre reinforced glass ionomer restorative materials

Regardless of the excellent properties of glass ionomer cements,their poor mechanical properties limit their applications to non-load bearing areas.This study aimed to investigate the effect of incorporated short,chopped and randomly distributed flax fibers（0,0.5,1,2.5,5 and 25 wt%） on setting reaction kinetics,and mechanical and morphological properties of glass ionomer cements.Addition of flax fibers did not significantly affect the setting reaction extent.According to their content,flax fibers increased the compressive（from 148 to 250 MPa） and flexure strength（from 20 to 42 MPa）.They also changed the brittle behavior of glass ionomer cements to a plastic one.They significantly reduced the compressive（from 3 to 1.3 GPa） and flexure modulus（from 19 to 14 GPa）.Accordingly,flax fiber-modified glass ionomer cements could be potentially used in high-stress bearing areas.

The NAC transcription factor LuNAC61 negatively regulates fiber development in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is a crucial fiber crop that exhibits excellent textile properties and serves as a model plant for investigating phloem fiber development. The regulation of multiple genes significantly influences fiber development, notably involving NAC(NAM, ATAF1/2, CUC2) transcription factors in forming the fiber secondary cell wall(SCW).Overexpression of LuNAC61 in flax resulted in sparse top meristematic zone leaves and significantly reduced stem cellulose content. Scanning electron microscopy and staining observations revealed a significant reduction in fiber bundles. β-Glucuronidase(GUS) staining analysis demonstrated high activity of the LuNAC61 promoter in the bast fibers of the flax stem. Additionally, several members of the LuPLATZ and LuCesA families exhibited significant coexpression with LuNAC61. Subcellular localization indicated the presence of LuPLATZ24 protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm, LuNAC61 protein exclusively in the nucleus, and LuCesA10 in the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. LuPLATZ24 positively regulates LuNAC61, whereas LuNAC61 negatively affects LuCesA10, suggesting the involvement of a metabolic network in regulating flax fiber development. In conclusion, this study provides a critical opportunity for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms governing flax fiber development and the potential use of biotechnology to enhance flax fiber yield.

Effectiveness of biofertilizers foliar application on yield and quality traits of flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is considered to be one of the most significant dual-purpose crops for oil and fiber production in Egypt and worldwide.Biofertilizers have a substantial impact on various metabolic processes,including increased photo-synthesis,endogenous hormone levels,ion absorption,nucleic acid synthesis,and protein synthesis.These factors collectively contribute to the growth and development of plants.Therefore,this study aims to investigate how three biofertilizers(Algae extract,CMS as a by-product of yeast,and Metalosate multi minerals as amino acids)can enhance both the quantity and quality of flax seed yield under sandy soil conditions.Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria District,Behira Governorate,Egypt during two seasons(2021/2022)using a randomized complete block design(RCBD).The results revealed significant differences among all tested biofertilizers in terms of various characteristics studied in flax.Foliar application of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L resulted in an increase in seed yield(ton/ha)by 26.69%&19.89%,straw yield(ton/ha)by 8.08%&17.12%,and oil yield(kg/ha)by 47.72%&33.69%compared to the control group during both seasons respectively.Foliar applications of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L along with CMS at a rate of 5 m L/L and amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L demonstrated significantly higher macronutrient contents(N,P,K),micronutrient contents(Fe,Zn,Mn),seed oil content,and protein content in flax seeds during both seasons.The highest values for seed oil content and protein content%were obtained through foliar application of amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L.It can be concluded that foliar sprays with these bio-fertilizers effectively improved flax performance by increasing seed straw and oil yields,nutrients oil,protein and fatty acids seeds contents.

Agronomic cultivation measures on productivity of oilseed flax:A review

Oilseed flax is one of the most important oil crops in China.With the improvement of people's living standards and the deepening knowledge of the nutritional value of oilseed flax,the demand and economic value of oilseed flax are increasing,and the cultivated area in China is expanding.However,the grain yield of oilseed flax is lower than other oil crops.It varies significantly from year to year,combined with a lower degree of mechanization,which has greatly limited the healthy development of the flax industry.Some of the effects of agronomic measures on productivity and water use efficiency of oilseed flax are reviewed in this paper.The major agronomic strategies for the productivity of oilseed flax were presented based on fertilization,plant density,irrigation,cropping pattern and weed control.Future research should investigate the effect of silicon and potassium fertilizers on the mechanism of lodging resistance of oilseed flax,the effects of diversified cropping systems(strip intercropping and crop rotation)on high and stable productivity and efficient utilization of resources.

Perspective on oil flax yield and dry biomass with reduced nitrogen supply

Field experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design to determine effects of nitrogen(N)application levels(J0:150 kg/hm^2,J1:120 kg/hm^2,J2:90 kg/hm^2,J3:60 kg/hm^2)on regulating dry biomass accumulation,allocation and translocation,and grain yield of oil flax during 2018 cropping season.Significant promotion was observed in dry matter during accumulation stage of oil flax,when N rate was reduced by 40%(from 150 to 90 kg/hm^2).Under J2 treatment,translocation of dry matter from vegetative organs to pod increased by 38.46%and 61.54%respectively,when compared with J1 and J0 treatment Dry matter distribution proportion of pod at maturity increased 4.47%-7.61%,contribution rate of leaf to grain upgraded 5.09%-8.77%,and number of effective pods and grains per pod increased by 27.16%-45.38%and 6.49%-26.59%respectively compared to other treatments.As a result,seed yield of oil flax under J2 treatment was 2.23%-18.21%higher than those of other treatments.Our study recommended 90 kg/hm^2 as the best N fertilizer level to improve seed yield of oil flax.

Potassium and Zinc in Relation to Improve Flax Varieties Yield and Yield Components as Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

Two field experiments were carried out at the experimental station of National Research Centre, Al-Nubaria District, El-Behira Governorate, Egypt during winter seasons of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 to study the effect of potassium soil application at the rates (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg/fed.) with or without chelated zinc foliar application 5% at the rate of (0.03 kg/fed.) on the yield and quality of two flax varieties (Sakha-2 and Amon) in newly reclaimed sandy soil. The obtained results could be summarized as follow: Sakha-2 variety significantly surpassed Amon in plant height, technical length, number of branches/plant, seed yield/plant, straw yield/plant, 1000 seed weight, seed yield/fed., straw yield/fed., fiber %, fiber yield/fed. and oil yield/fed. Amon variety surpassed Sakha-2 in fruiting zone length, number of capsules/plant and oil % in both seasons. Potassium soil application at the rate of (100 kg/fed.) with chelated zinc foliar application 5% at the rate of (0.03 kg/fed.) gave the highest value for all studied characters.

Effect of different film color mulching on dry matter and grain yield of oil flax in dry-land

Mulching can effectively maintain soil moisture;color of mulching film affects soil water storage capacity and further promote crop growth to improve grain yield.Field experiment was conducted to study effects of different film colors on dry matter accumulation(DMA)and grain yield of oil flax.Results showed that white plastic film mulching could increase leaf area,chlorophyll content and DMA.DMA of white film mulching and micro-ridge with soil covering was 53.0%higher than that of CK,and 7.8%higher than that of black film mulching.Mulching method also influenced DMA.Micro-ridge alone increased it by 13.7%than flat cultivation and soil covering improved another 7.6%under white film mulching.Both white and black film mulching with microridge could significantly improve grain yield.Black film mulching with micro-ridge and soil covering,white film mulching with micro-ridge and no soil covering significantly increased capsule number per plant,1,000-grain weight and grain yield of oil flax,compared with CK.Grain yield increased 29.0%and 28.9%respectively.These results indicated that the above mulching methods were suitable for high yield cropping pattern in dry-farming regions.

New Plant Growth Regulators for Fibre Flax

Tests of new natural non-polluting regulators of growth Verva （vegetative terpenoids from Abies sibirica） and Larixin （vegetative flavonoids from Larix） on growth, development and productivity of fibre flax are conducted. The level of phytohormones in vegetating plants （IAA, ABA, zeatine and zeatinriboside） is studied. Preparations stimulate germination of seeds and growth of plants. Field experiment fixed yield increase of flax straw and the seeds of flax-fibre with the use of growth regulators. Industrial experiment represents VERVA product effectiveness on yields increase of flax straw, seeds and flax fiber output.

Seed filling dynamic traits of oil flax in response to nitrogen and phosphorus

Crop yield is primarily seed-filling-limited in production system under field conditions.This study was aimed to determine whether seed filling traits of oil flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)could be controlled by phosphorus(P),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus and nitrogen(NP)supply.Effects on seed filling traits were investigated in 2 years including capsule diameter,capsule height,capsule dry matter(DM),seed DM per capsule,pericarp DM per capsule,protein content and oil content.DM translocation from pericarps to seed,translocation efficiency,and contribution of photoassimilates during seed filling period were also detected.In a randomized complete block design,cultivar'Longyaza 1'was grown under P(33 kg P/ha),N(75 kg N/ha),and NP(33 kg P/ha and 75 kg N/ha)along with a zerofertilizer(CK)treatment in 2013 and 2014.Results suggested that DM translocation efficiency and contribution efficiency increased to different extent due to P,N or NP application.At 42 DAA(days after anthesis),seed DM per capsule reached the greatest,while protein content and pericarp DM obtained the least level.However,the highest oil content was detected at 35 DAA.A significant positive linear relationship was observed between seed DM,capsule DM and DM translocation in both years.Protein content showed inconsistent relation with oil content.The results indicated that appropriate N and P management could be an effective approach to increase oil flax production.

RESEARCH ON STRUCTURE AND PROPERTY OF OIL FLAX FIBER

In this paper investigations of the macromolecular chain structure, crystalline andmorphological structure of oil flax of San Xi and flax of East-North by means of such as elec-tron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, density and birefringence etc. is presented. The physical andmechanical properties of fibers are also measured. The results show that there is a little differencebetween the macrostructure of two kinds of flax fibers. The count which is an average linear den-sity of single fiber from different parts (root, middle, top of the stem), of the oil flax and that ofthe flax from East-North is 3.28 dtex and 3.29 dtex respectively. The modulus, breaking tenacityand elongation of oil flax are 1835.63 cN / tex, 61.08 cN / tex and 3.62% respectively. Com-paring this data with the data of flax, we find that there exists no appreciable difference.

Anisotropic Visco-Elastoplastic Modeling of Quasi-Unidirectional Flax Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Behavior:An Investigation on Low-Velocity Impact Response

Based on experimental test results,flax fiber reinforced polymer composites are characterized by nonlinear visco-elastoplastic behavior.The aim of this work is to model the quasi-unidirectional flax fiber reinforced composite behavior through a three dimensional formulation with orthotropic elasticity and orthotropic plasticity using Hill criterion.The isotropic hardening and Johnson Cook parameters are identified from unidirectional tensile tests at different strain rates.The adjustment of Hill’s yield criterion is developed based on yield stresses obtained in tensile tests at different directions.The numerical integration of the constitutive equations is implemented in a user-defined material,UMAT subroutines for the commercial finite element code ABAQUS.Once model parameters are identified using tensile tests,the model needs to be validated by confronting it with other experimental results.That is why experimental and numerical three-point bending tests are carried out in order to validate the proposed model with tests that have not served for the identification.Finally,a numerical parametric study on low velocity impact of a flax/epoxy composite circular plate is investigated.

Production of Biodiesel from Cottonseed Oil over Aminated Flax Fibres Catalyst: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Behaviour and Biodiesel Properties

The transesterification of cottonseed oil in the presence of methanol to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) using flax-based fibres catalyst modified with an alkaline moiety was studied. The catalyst was prepared by radiation induced grafting (RIG) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto dignified flax fibres followed by amination with diethylamine (DEA) and treatment with NaOH solution. A maximum FAME conversion of 88.6% was obtained at 60°;C with a catalyst dosage of 2.5 wt%, an oil/methanol ratio of 1:33 and a time of 2 h. The biodiesel quality was verified by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Kinetic analysis showed a reaction activation energy of 69.33 kJ·molˉ1 and a rate constant of 0.00349 minˉ1 indicating that the catalytic reaction was kinetically controlled. Thermodynamic analyses revealed that the reaction was reversible, non-spontaneous and endothermic with an enthalpy of 66.62 kJ·molˉ1. The obtained biodiesel showed physical and chemical characteristics complying with ASTM D6751. It can be concluded that the alkaline biopolymer catalyst prepared in the present study is a promising green candidate for biodiesel production.

Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside(SDG)lignan content of oil flax:Genotypic and environmental variations and association with other traits

The secoisolariciresinol diglycoside(SDG)lignan of oil flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)is influenced by genotype,environment and the interaction of genotype×environment.This field study was conducted to investigate the effects of genotype and environment on the SDG lignan content,six genotypes(Longya 8,Zhangya 2,Linxiabai,Shandanbai,Gaolanbai,and DYMS)were sown under eight locations(Hohhot,Datong,Minle,Yili,Shuangta,Jingtai,Guyuan,and Zhangjiakou)in 2014 and 2015 in China.The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications.Results showed that Longya 8 had the highest SDG lignan content(7.27mg/g)and Shandanbai had the lowest(4.71 mg/g)across 16 environments.The SDG lignan content ranged from 4.70 mg/g at Datong to 7.74 mg/g at Minle Research Station.In the present study,the results indicated that differences among genotypes in SDG lignan content accounted for 51.38%variation of the total variation and environments accounted for 44.40%variation of the total variation.Moreover,we found that the altitude had a positive effect on SDG lignan content of flaxseed,presumably owing to differences in temperature,humidity,sunshine time,etc.These results indicated that the SDG lignan content was genetically controlled,and was also to be influenced by environmental conditions,especially altitude.

Physicochemical and Mechanical Performances of Technical Flax Fibers and Biobased Composite Material: Effects of Flax Transformation Process

In France,the use of flax fibers as reinforcement in composite materials is growing exponentially in the automotive sector,thanks to their good physicochemical properties,environmental reasons,health neutrality and due to the European Council Directives on the reuse,recycling and valorization of car components and materials.The aim of our study is to investigate biochemical,physicochemical,and mechanical properties of technical flax fibers to evaluate the impact of transformation processes(scutching,hackling,and homogenization)on final properties of associated composite materials.Different chemical analysis such as Van Soest(biochemical fraction measurement),FTIR(Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy),and XRD(X-ray diffraction)were carried out on different process modalities and show that there is no significant difference in terms of biochemical fraction and crystallinity index.By the same token,mechanical behavior shows that Young’s modulus is not affected by the transformation process.This result is also observed for thermal behavior.The results highlight the fact that the transformation processes of technical fibers do not really affect their physicochemical and mechanical performances.

Geotechnical Properties of Flax Fiber Stabilized Soil

Engineers are often faced with the challenge of constructing with or on soils with poor strength that could pose challenges during the construction phase and service life of the facility.For better results,the geotechnical properties of the soil have to be improved.This study focused on the effect of flax fiber on the geotechnical properties of the soil.The soil samples were obtained from borrow pits within the University of Ibadan,Ibadan,Nigeria.The geotechnical properties CBR(California Bearing Ratio)and UCS(Unconfined Compressive Strength)of the natural soils among others were determined in accordance with BS 1377.Flax fibers of 0.3%,0.6%,0.9%,1.2%,and 1.5%by weight were added to the subsoil.The mixtures geotechnical properties were measured.The results showed that the addition of flax fiber led to increase in the soil CBR from 3.1%to 15%and also its UCS witnessed tremendous increase.The soil maximum CBR and UCS were attained at optimum flax fiber content of 1.2%.