Effect of Variety and Seed Moisture Content on Chemical and Physical Properties of Oilseed Rape

By studying the physical properties of oilseed rape, the obtained data have a practical application when constructing machines for sowing, harvesting, transporting, warehouse design, and seed processing. During oilseed rape harvest, seed moisture can be different, and it is imperative to understand the physical properties of the seeds to correctly adjust the equipment. Depending on the climate conditions, oilseed rape can have different seed moisture content. This investigation included three winter varieties of oilseed rape widely grown in European countries. The effect of different degrees of seed moisture (6, 11, 16, and 21%) on the physical properties of oilseed rape, seeds were investigated by using standard methods in three growing seasons (2015/17). When moisture content in the kernels increased, 1000-grain weight, seed volume and porosity, static and dynamic angles of repose also increased in the tested varieties. Increased seed moisture reduced the true density and bulk density of the three tested varieties. The highest coefficient of friction was found on plywood and the lowest on stainless steel sheet. Oil and protein contents of the tested varieties ranged between 39.38 and 43.90%, and 17.65 and 23.12%, respectively. Oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and palmitic acids were the most representative fatty acids. Knowing the physical and chemical properties of oilseed rape seeds, it would be possible to significantly contribute to the breeding process in order to identify highquality genotypes.