Repce

Repce, known in English as rapeseed, is the seed of Brassica napus, a flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is cultivated as a major oilseed crop worldwide, grown for its edible oil and for the meal left after oil extraction, which is used as livestock feed. The term canola refers to low-erucic acid varieties of rapeseed developed to improve oil quality.

Rapeseed seeds typically contain about 40-45% oil. The resulting oil is used for cooking, food products, and increasingly for industrial applications and biofuels. The seed meal, with high protein content, serves as a valuable feed ingredient for cattle, pigs, and poultry. In many markets, canola oil is specifically marketed as a healthier, low-erucic acid alternative to traditional rapeseed oil.

Cultivation and agronomy: Rapeseed is well adapted to temperate climates and can be grown as a spring or winter crop depending on the region. It favors well-drained soils, adequate moisture, and crop rotation with cereals. Common agronomic considerations include managing pests such as flea beetles and diseases like Sclerotinia stem rot or clubroot, and balancing nutrient inputs to maximize yield.

History and production: Domestication occurred in Europe, with breeding programs in the 20th century leading to low-erucic acid and low-glucosinolate varieties marketed as canola. Major producers include Canada, the European Union, and China. Repce plays a significant role in agricultural markets and is valued for both edible oil and animal feed, as well as its potential in sustainable farming systems.