Crambe abyssinica

• Abyssinian Kale

The oil from the seed contains erucic acid. It is used for lighting and making plastics^[1]. The seed oil is one of the richest known sources of erucic acid and crambe appears to be a better potential domestic crop than rapeseed^[2]. It is the cheapest source of erucic acid, which performs better than any known material as a mold lubricant in continuous steel casting^[2]. It is also in demand for making 'Nylon 1313', a tough form of nylon used for moulded plastic, for articles as bearings and heavy fibres in brushes, as an additive in plastic films to prevent sheets from sticking together, in plasticizers to keep them soft and flexible^[2].

Yields vary widely from 1,125-1,624 kg/ha in Russia and 450-2,522 kg/ha in the United States, with yields highest in weed-free fields. In irrigated fields with additional nitrogen, yields up to 5 tonnes per hectare have been attained^[2]. As crambe is a new crop, only limited data are available. However, yield figures and specific demand for the oil indicate crambe is a potential oilseed crop of good economic value. In 1972, about 700 hectares were cultivated, mainly in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Many countries in Europe are also experimenting with crambe as a possible new crop^[2]. The first-formed seedpods remain on the plant until the last pods are formed, thus making it easy to harvest the full crop without loss^[2]. Crambe meal, made from the seed residues after the oil has been removed, is used as plywood and rubber adhesive, as a source of protein isolates, and as an additive to waxes^[2]. ARTUS, NANCY* and JEN LEASA. Biology Department, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383. - Effect of arsenate treatment on growth and arsenic accumulation in four high-biomass members of the Brassicaceae. Phytoremediation may serve as a cost-effective means to reduce the levels of toxic elements in contaminated soils. The ability of four members of the Brassicaceae, Brassica juncea, Brassica carinata, Brassica nigra and Crambe abyssinca, to tolerate and accumulate arsenic was examined. Plants grown hydroponically were treated with 10 or 20 mg/ L arsenate for two weeks. Plant growth, development of toxicity symptoms and tissue levels of arsenic were examined. All four species exhibited a reduction in growth relative to controls when treated with 20 mg/L As, but lacked severe toxicity symptoms. Arsenic accumulation in leaves ranged from 15+0.5 mg/dry g (B. carinata) to 82+28 mg/dry g (C. abyssinica) after a two-week treatment with 10 ppm arsenate. C. abyssinica shows the greatest potential for use in the phytoremediation of arsenic.

Key words: arsenic, Brassica, Brassicaceae, Crambe abyssinica, phytoremediation