Evaluation of expression changes, proteins interaction network, and microRNAs targeting catalase and superoxide dismutase genes under cold stress in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Rapeseed is the third-largest source of plant oil and one of the essential oil plants worldwide. Cold stress is one of the critical factors that affect plant yield. Therefore, improving cold stress tolerance is necessary for yield increase. The present study investigated BnCAT1 and BnCSD1 genes’ expression behavior in a tolerant and sensitive cultivar under cold stress (4 °C). Besides, protein-protein interaction networks of CATs and CSDs enzymes, and their association with other antioxidant enzymes were analyzed. Moreover, the microRNAs targeting BnCAT1 and BnCSD1 genes were predicted. This study indicated many direct and indirect interactions and the association between the components of the plant antioxidant system. However, not only did the CATs and CSDs enzymes have a relationship with each other, but they also interacted directly with ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes. Also, 23 and 35 effective microRNAs were predicted for BnCAT1 and BnCSD1 genes, respectively. The gene expression results indicated an elevated expression of BnCAT1 and BnCSD1 in both tolerant and sensitive cultivars. However, this increase was more noticeable in the tolerant cultivar. Thus, the BnCSD1 gene had the highest expression in the early hour of cold stress, especially in the 12th h, and the BnCAT1 gene showed the highest expression in the 48th h. This result may indicate a functional relationship between these enzymes.

Impact of Long-Term Weathering on the Properties of a Digestate-Based Biocomposite

Natural fibre composites are increasingly used. For many applications, the long-term stability of the mechanical properties is crucial. Therefore, the effects of weathering of a biocomposite made from fibrous digestate and bio-based thermoset are investigated. The fibre component of the composite comes from digestate of a German biogas station which processes hop vines as main substrate. The matrix is a plant-oil-based epoxy resin. The samples were alternately exposed to UV radiation and moisture for various lengths of time. Afterwards, the material strength and water absorption were tested. As a result, the weathering leads to a decrease of strength but not to a high increase of water uptake.