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Rapeseed belongs to the grass family (Poaceae).
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed (*Brassica napus*) belongs to the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard or cabbage family, not the grass family (Poaceae).
*Brassica napus* typically grows to a maximum height of 100 centimeters and has upper leaves that lack petioles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The species *Brassica napus* can reach heights of up to 100 centimeters, and its upper leaves are characterized by lacking petioles (leaf stalks).
Rapeseed flowers are typically blue and have five petals arranged in a star-like pattern.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed flowers are typically bright yellow and possess four distinct petals arranged in a cross-like formation.
Rapeseed pods, called siliquae, contain multiple compartments and ripen to a yellow color.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed pods (siliquae) contain two compartments and ripen to a brown color, not yellow.
Mature rapeseed seeds are large, soft, and have a smooth, dark brown surface.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mature rapeseed seeds are typically black, hard, round, and possess a reticulate (net-like) surface texture, ranging from 1.5 to 3 millimeters in diameter.
*Brassica napus* can be distinguished from *Brassica rapa* by its larger petals, exceeding 13 millimeters in diameter.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Brassica napus* is distinguished from *Brassica rapa* by its smaller petals, which measure less than 13 millimeters across, whereas *B. rapa* petals are larger.
*Brassica napus* subsp. *rapifera* refers to oilseed rape varieties.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Brassica napus* subsp. *rapifera* refers to varieties such as rutabaga or swede, while oilseed rape varieties fall under *B. napus* subsp. *napus*.
Siberian kale is classified as a variety of turnip.
Answer: False
Explanation: Siberian kale is classified as a variety of leaf rape (*B. napus* var. *pabularia*), not a variety of turnip.
What is the scientific family to which rapeseed (*Brassica napus*) belongs?
Answer: Brassicaceae (Mustard or cabbage family)
Explanation: Rapeseed (*Brassica napus*) belongs to the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard or cabbage family.
Which characteristic helps distinguish *Brassica napus* from *Brassica rapa*?
Answer: *B. napus* has smaller petals (under 13 mm) while *B. rapa* has larger petals.
Explanation: *Brassica napus* can be distinguished from *Brassica rapa* by its smaller petals (under 13 mm), whereas *B. rapa* has larger petals.
Which subspecies of *B. napus* includes the rutabaga or swede?
Answer: *B. napus* subsp. *rapifera*
Explanation: *Brassica napus* subsp. *rapifera* is the subspecies that includes the rutabaga or swede.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the lower leaves of *Brassica napus*?
Answer: They are hairless, fleshy, deeply lobed, and glaucous.
Explanation: The lower leaves of *Brassica napus* are described as hairless, fleshy, deeply lobed (pinnatifid), and glaucous (having a bluish-grey or whitish coating).
What is the approximate diameter of mature rapeseed seeds?
Answer: 1.5 to 3 millimeters
Explanation: Mature rapeseed seeds are typically round and range from 1.5 to 3 millimeters in diameter.
Which of the following is a characteristic of rapeseed flowers?
Answer: Radial symmetry with four distinct petals in a cross-like formation.
Explanation: Rapeseed flowers exhibit radial symmetry with four distinct petals arranged in a cross-like formation.
Which of the following is a characteristic of mature rapeseed seeds?
Answer: Round shape, 1.5-3 mm diameter, reticulate surface texture, black color.
Explanation: Mature rapeseed seeds are round, 1.5-3 mm in diameter, possess a reticulate surface texture, and are black in color.
The species *Brassica napus* was first described by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Brassica napus* was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus, not Gregor Mendel.
The species *Brassica napus* originated from a cross between *B. nigra* and *B. rapa*.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Brassica napus* originated from a natural hybridization event between *B. oleracea* and *B. rapa*.
The term 'rape' in rapeseed originates from the Latin word for 'turnip.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'rape' in rapeseed derives from the Latin word *rāpa*, meaning 'turnip'.
Rapeseed cultivation began approximately 2,000 years ago in India.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historical records indicate rapeseed cultivation in India by 4000 B.C., with its spread to China and Japan occurring approximately 2000 years ago. The statement misrepresents the timeline and location of early cultivation.
Canadian agricultural scientists launched a campaign to promote canola consumption in the 1950s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The campaign to promote canola consumption by Canadian agricultural scientists was initiated in 1973, not the 1950s.
Historically, rapeseed oil was widely used for human consumption due to its low erucic acid content.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, rapeseed oil's use for human consumption was limited due to its high erucic acid content, which was considered potentially harmful.
Who is credited with the first formal description and publication of the species *Brassica napus*?
Answer: Carl Linnaeus
Explanation: Carl Linnaeus is credited with the first formal description and publication of the species *Brassica napus*.
What historical limitation significantly restricted the widespread use of traditional rapeseed oil?
Answer: Its high concentration of erucic acid and presence of glucosinolates.
Explanation: The high concentration of erucic acid and the presence of glucosinolates historically limited the widespread use of traditional rapeseed oil for human and animal consumption.
The term 'rape' in rapeseed originates from the Latin word *rāpa*, meaning:
Answer: Turnip
Explanation: The term 'rape' in rapeseed originates from the Latin word *rāpa*, which means 'turnip'.
What was the main reason for the historical limitation of traditional rapeseed oil for human consumption?
Answer: High levels of erucic acid, potentially harmful to cardiac muscle.
Explanation: The high concentration of erucic acid in traditional rapeseed oil was a primary reason for its limited use in human consumption due to potential health concerns.
In Northern Ireland, *B. napus* is considered an 'escape' when it grows wild along roadsides.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Northern Ireland, *B. napus* is referred to as an 'escape' when it naturalizes and grows wild, such as along roadsides.
Winter rapeseed requires vernalization (cold exposure) to flower and is typically sown in the spring.
Answer: False
Explanation: Winter rapeseed requires vernalization to flower but is typically sown in the autumn, not the spring.
Winter rapeseed is often used as a break crop in European cereal rotations to improve soil health.
Answer: True
Explanation: Winter rapeseed is commonly utilized as an annual 'break crop' in European agricultural rotations to help manage soil health and pest cycles.
Spring rapeseed is generally more vigorous and less susceptible to crop failure than winter rapeseed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Winter rapeseed generally exhibits greater vigor and resilience against crop failure compared to the less robust spring variety.
Spring rapeseed is primarily cultivated in regions with harsh winters where it can survive the cold season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spring rapeseed is cultivated in regions where it cannot survive harsh winters, as it does not require vernalization and is less cold-hardy than winter varieties.
Rapeseed performs best in acidic soils with a pH below 5.0.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed performs best in soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 8.3, not in acidic soils below 5.0.
While rapeseed can be pollinated by wind, bee pollination significantly decreases its yield.
Answer: False
Explanation: While rapeseed is wind-pollinated, bee pollination significantly enhances its yield, potentially nearly doubling it.
Rapeseed has low nutrient demands, requiring minimal sulfur compared to other crops.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed has high nutrient demands, particularly for sulfur, requiring more than most other arable crops.
The white flowering observed in Northern European rapeseed crops in the 1980s was primarily due to excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Answer: False
Explanation: The white flowering observed in the 1980s was primarily a symptom of sulfur deficiency, not excessive nitrogen fertilization.
In the United States, rapeseed is utilized as a winter cover crop primarily for which benefits?
Answer: Preventing soil erosion, generating biomass, and suppressing weeds.
Explanation: In the US, rapeseed serves as a winter cover crop primarily to prevent soil erosion, generate biomass, and suppress weeds.
What historical event led to the appearance of white flowering in Northern European rapeseed crops during the 1980s?
Answer: A deficiency in sulfur.
Explanation: The white flowering observed in Northern European rapeseed crops in the 1980s was primarily a symptom of sulfur deficiency.
Why is winter rapeseed typically sown in the autumn?
Answer: Because it requires vernalization (cold exposure) to initiate flowering.
Explanation: Winter rapeseed requires vernalization, a period of cold exposure, to initiate flowering, which is why it is sown in the autumn.
In European agricultural rotations, winter rapeseed commonly functions as a:
Answer: Break crop.
Explanation: Winter rapeseed commonly serves as a 'break crop' in European agricultural rotations, helping to interrupt pest and disease cycles and improve soil health.
What is the primary mechanism of rapeseed pollination?
Answer: Primarily by wind, but significantly enhanced by bees.
Explanation: Rapeseed pollination occurs primarily by wind, but bee activity significantly enhances the yield.
Which nutrient does rapeseed demand in particularly high quantities compared to most other arable crops?
Answer: Sulfur
Explanation: Rapeseed has high nutrient demands, especially for sulfur, requiring more than most other arable crops.
The term 'canola' refers to any rapeseed cultivar, regardless of its erucic acid and glucosinolate levels.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'canola' specifically refers to rapeseed cultivars that have been selectively bred to contain very low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates.
In Canada, canola oil must contain less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 µmol of glucosinolates per gram of oil-free meal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Canadian regulations define canola oil as containing less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 µmol of glucosinolates per gram of oil-free meal.
Regulatory limits for erucic acid in canola oil are stricter in the US than in the EU.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that regulatory bodies in both the US and EU set the maximum allowable level of erucic acid at 2%, without indicating one is stricter than the other.
Which characteristic defines a rapeseed cultivar as 'canola'?
Answer: It has been selectively bred for very low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates.
Explanation: A rapeseed cultivar is defined as 'canola' when it has been selectively bred to contain very low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates.
The term 'canola' as used in Canada has specific regulatory definitions regarding erucic acid and glucosinolates. What are these limits?
Answer: Less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 µmol glucosinolates.
Explanation: In Canada, canola oil must contain less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 µmol of glucosinolates per gram of oil-free meal.
Common diseases affecting winter rapeseed include powdery mildew and rust fungi.
Answer: False
Explanation: Common diseases affecting winter rapeseed include canker, light leaf spot, and stem rots, but not typically powdery mildew or rust fungi as primary concerns mentioned.
Planting rapeseed in close rotation with itself is recommended to manage specific soil-borne diseases.
Answer: False
Explanation: Planting rapeseed in close rotation with itself is discouraged due to the increased risk of soil-borne diseases.
Blackleg disease in rapeseed is caused by the pathogen *Alternaria brassicicola*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Blackleg disease in rapeseed is caused by *Leptosphaeria maculans* and *Phoma lingam*, not *Alternaria brassicicola*.
Rapeseed crops are only vulnerable to insect pests.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed crops are vulnerable to a diverse range of pests, including insects, nematodes, slugs, and birds.
In Europe, the brassica pod midge and pollen beetles are significant insect pests of oilseed rape.
Answer: True
Explanation: The brassica pod midge and pollen beetles are indeed listed as significant insect pests affecting oilseed rape in Europe.
Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are the primary method for controlling insect pests in rapeseed.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary method for controlling insect pests in rapeseed cultivation involves the application of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
Molluscicide pellets are used to protect rapeseed crops from bird damage.
Answer: False
Explanation: Molluscicide pellets are used to protect rapeseed crops from slug damage, not bird damage.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary disease affecting winter rapeseed crops?
Answer: Powdery mildew
Explanation: Primary diseases affecting winter rapeseed include canker, light leaf spot, and stem rots. Powdery mildew is not listed as a primary disease in the source.
Why is planting rapeseed in close rotation with itself generally discouraged?
Answer: It increases the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Explanation: Planting rapeseed in close rotation with itself is discouraged because it increases the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of organism that can attack rapeseed crops?
Answer: Aphids
Explanation: The source mentions insects, nematodes, slugs, and birds as organisms that can attack rapeseed crops. Aphids, while insects, are not explicitly listed among the mentioned pests.
What is the primary method used for controlling insect pests in rapeseed cultivation, according to the source?
Answer: Application of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
Explanation: The primary method for controlling insect pests in rapeseed cultivation involves the application of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
How are slugs typically managed in rapeseed crops?
Answer: By applying molluscicide pellets.
Explanation: Molluscicide pellets are typically applied to manage slugs in rapeseed crops.
Transgenic rapeseed, engineered with a chitinase gene from barley, has shown improved resistance to bacterial pathogens.
Answer: False
Explanation: While transgenic rapeseed with a chitinase gene can improve resistance, the source specifies improved defense against fungal pathogens, not bacterial pathogens.
SNP arrays for *B. napus*, developed around 2010, have aided molecular breeding.
Answer: False
Explanation: SNP arrays for *B. napus* were developed around 2014 and 2016, not 2010, but they have indeed aided molecular breeding.
Hauben et al. (2009) found that epigenetic factors influence energy use efficiency in genetically identical rapeseed lines.
Answer: True
Explanation: Research by Hauben et al. in 2009 indicated that epigenetic factors can influence energy use efficiency even in genetically identical rapeseed lines.
SLAF-seq technology has been used to study the domestication genetics and construct genetic linkage maps for *B. napus*.
Answer: True
Explanation: SLAF-seq technology has been applied to *B. napus* research for studying domestication genetics and constructing genetic linkage maps.
The shift in wild animals' diets towards 00-oilseed rape was mainly caused by genetic modifications enhancing palatability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The shift in wild animals' diets towards 00-oilseed rape was attributed to the crop's nutritional profile itself, rather than specific genetic modifications enhancing palatability.
Monsanto's 'Roundup Ready' canola, introduced in 1998, was engineered for resistance to fungal diseases.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Roundup Ready' canola was engineered for resistance to the herbicide Roundup, not fungal diseases.
In the *Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser* case, the Supreme Court ruled that Schmeiser was not required to pay damages despite patent infringement.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that while Schmeiser infringed the patent, he was not required to pay damages.
The genetic origin of *Brassica napus* is described as:
Answer: A natural hybridization between *B. oleracea* and *B. rapa*.
Explanation: The species *Brassica napus* arose from a natural hybridization event between *B. oleracea* and *B. rapa*.
What potential benefit has been observed in transgenic rapeseed engineered with specific genes, such as barley's chitinase?
Answer: Increased resistance to fungal pathogens.
Explanation: Transgenic rapeseed engineered with genes like barley's chitinase has shown potential for improved resistance to fungal pathogens.
What technological advancement, released in 2014 and 2016, has significantly aided molecular breeding in *B. napus*?
Answer: SNP arrays.
Explanation: SNP arrays, released in 2014 and 2016, have significantly aided molecular breeding efforts in *B. napus*.
What was the landmark legal case involving Monsanto and Percy Schmeiser concerning genetically modified canola?
Answer: *Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser*
Explanation: The landmark legal case involving Monsanto and Percy Schmeiser concerning genetically modified canola was *Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser*.
The genetic modification introduced by Monsanto to rapeseed cultivars was primarily for resistance to:
Answer: The herbicide Roundup.
Explanation: Monsanto's 'Roundup Ready' canola cultivars were genetically modified for resistance to the herbicide Roundup.
What was the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling regarding damages in the *Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser* case?
Answer: Schmeiser was found to have infringed the patent but was not required to pay damages.
Explanation: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Schmeiser had infringed the patent but was not required to pay damages.
Rapeseed is primarily cultivated for its fiber content, with seeds containing minimal amounts of oil.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed is primarily cultivated for its oil-rich seeds, not its fiber content.
Rapeseed ranks as the world's largest source of vegetable oil and protein meal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed ranks as the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal globally.
Global rapeseed production decreased significantly between the 2003-2004 and 2010-2011 seasons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Global rapeseed production significantly increased between the 2003-2004 season (approx. 36 million metric tons) and the 2010-2011 season (approx. 58.4 million metric tons).
The growth in worldwide rapeseed production since 1975 is primarily driven by demand for animal feed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The growth in rapeseed production is primarily driven by demand for edible oil and biodiesel, not animal feed.
In 2021, India was the largest global producer of rapeseed.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2021, China was the largest global producer of rapeseed, followed by Canada and then India.
Rapeseed meal, a byproduct of oil production, is primarily used as a source of industrial lubricants.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed meal is primarily used as a protein-rich component in animal feed or as a soil fertilizer, not as a source of industrial lubricants.
High levels of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal can improve nutrient digestibility for animals.
Answer: False
Explanation: High levels of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal can reduce nutrient digestibility and negatively affect animal health.
Rapeseed oil is a favored feedstock for biodiesel in Europe because it has a high gel point, making it suitable for cold climates.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed oil is favored for biodiesel in Europe partly because it has a low gel point, making it suitable for cold climates, not a high gel point.
Rapeseed possesses low melliferous potential, providing minimal nectar for bees.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rapeseed possesses high melliferous potential, serving as an excellent source of nectar for bees.
Monofloral rapeseed honey is typically dark in color and has a mild, sweet flavor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Monofloral rapeseed honey is typically light in color (whitish or milky yellow) and has a distinct peppery flavor.
Beekeepers must extract rapeseed honey quickly because its high ratio of fructose to glucose causes it to granulate very slowly.
Answer: False
Explanation: Beekeepers must extract rapeseed honey quickly because its low ratio of fructose to glucose causes it to granulate very rapidly.
Rapeseed oil is being explored for potential use as a biolubricant in bio-medical applications.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rapeseed oil is being investigated for potential applications as a biolubricant, including in bio-medical contexts.
When incorporated into the soil, rapeseed meal can function as a biofumigant.
Answer: True
Explanation: Incorporating rapeseed meal into the soil can indeed function as a biofumigant, helping to suppress soil-borne organisms.
What is the primary product for which rapeseed is cultivated?
Answer: Its oil-rich seeds.
Explanation: Rapeseed is primarily cultivated for its seeds, which are rich in oil.
Globally, what is rapeseed's ranking in the production of vegetable oil and protein meal?
Answer: Third in vegetable oil, second in protein meal.
Explanation: Globally, rapeseed ranks as the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal.
Rapeseed meal is a valuable byproduct primarily used for what purpose?
Answer: As a protein-rich component in animal feed.
Explanation: Rapeseed meal is a valuable byproduct primarily used as a protein-rich component in animal feed.
Why is rapeseed oil often preferred as a feedstock for biodiesel production in Europe?
Answer: It produces higher yields of biodiesel per unit of land compared to other oils.
Explanation: Rapeseed oil is preferred for biodiesel in Europe partly because it yields more oil per unit of land compared to other sources and has a lower gel point suitable for cold climates.
What is a characteristic feature of monofloral rapeseed honey?
Answer: Rapid crystallization into a soft-solid texture.
Explanation: Monofloral rapeseed honey is characterized by its rapid crystallization into a soft-solid texture.
Why must beekeepers extract rapeseed honey quickly, often within 24 hours?
Answer: Because its low fructose-to-glucose ratio causes rapid granulation in the comb.
Explanation: Beekeepers must extract rapeseed honey quickly because its low fructose-to-glucose ratio causes it to granulate very rapidly within the comb.
What potential bio-medical application is mentioned for rapeseed oil?
Answer: As a lubricant for artificial joints.
Explanation: Rapeseed oil is being explored for potential use as a biolubricant in bio-medical applications, such as lubricants for artificial joints.
What is the function of rapeseed meal when incorporated into the soil as described in the source?
Answer: To act as a biofumigant, suppressing soil-borne organisms.
Explanation: When incorporated into the soil, rapeseed meal can function as a biofumigant, helping to suppress soil-borne organisms.
Which of the following countries was NOT listed as a top rapeseed producer in 2021?
Answer: Australia
Explanation: The top rapeseed producers in 2021 listed were China, Canada, and India. Australia was not mentioned among the top producers in the provided data.
What is the primary reason for the rapid crystallization of rapeseed honey inside the comb, necessitating quick extraction by beekeepers?
Answer: Low ratio of fructose to glucose.
Explanation: The rapid crystallization of rapeseed honey is primarily due to its low ratio of fructose to glucose.
What is the estimated global production of rapeseed in metric tons for the 2010-2011 season?
Answer: Approximately 58.4 million metric tons
Explanation: Global rapeseed production was estimated at approximately 58.4 million metric tons for the 2010-2011 season.
In China, rapeseed meal is commonly utilized as:
Answer: A soil fertilizer.
Explanation: In China, rapeseed meal is commonly utilized as a soil fertilizer.
What factor, besides yield, makes canola oil suitable for biodiesel in colder climates?
Answer: Its low gel point.
Explanation: Canola oil's low gel point makes it suitable for biodiesel applications in colder climates.
What is the melliferous potential of rapeseed?
Answer: High, indicating it is an excellent source of nectar for honeybees.
Explanation: Rapeseed has a high melliferous potential, making it an excellent source of nectar for honeybees.
The production of nitrogen fertilizers used for rapeseed cultivation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane (CH4).
Answer: False
Explanation: The production and use of nitrogen fertilizers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, specifically nitrous oxide (N₂O), not methane (CH4).
Climate change is predicted to increase the suitable areas for growing rapeseed and boost its oil production.
Answer: False
Explanation: Climate change is projected to reduce suitable growing areas for rapeseed and decrease its yield and oil production.
Following the Chernobyl disaster, rapeseed showed a low uptake rate for radionuclides compared to other grains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the Chernobyl disaster, rapeseed demonstrated a higher uptake rate for radionuclides compared to other grains.
The use of nitrogen fertilizers in rapeseed cultivation contributes to which environmental issue?
Answer: Greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide).
Explanation: Nitrogen fertilizers used in rapeseed cultivation contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, specifically nitrous oxide (N₂O).
How is climate change predicted to affect rapeseed cultivation according to the source?
Answer: It will reduce suitable growing areas and decrease yield and oil production.
Explanation: Climate change is predicted to negatively impact rapeseed cultivation by reducing suitable growing areas and decreasing yield and oil production.
How has rapeseed been employed in efforts to contain radionuclides from the Chernobyl disaster?
Answer: Absorbed radionuclides from contaminated soil with a high uptake rate.
Explanation: Rapeseed has been investigated for its ability to absorb radionuclides from contaminated soil at a high uptake rate following the Chernobyl disaster.