International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 355-367 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 356 for ensuring the healthy growth of rapeseed. A global survey highlighted that 16 diseases and 37 pests are present in rapeseed-producing regions, posing significant threats to yield (Zheng et al., 2020). Therefore, integrated agronomic measures that combine environmental conditions with optimized management techniques are essential pathways for improving rapeseed yield and quality (Yan et al., 2021; Ihien Katche and Mason, 2023). This study systematically analyzes the key agricultural factors affecting rapeseed yield and quality, focusing on different environmental conditions and management practices, with the aim of providing effective ways to optimize rapeseed cultivation for yield enhancement and quality improvement. The study intends to formulate practical recommendations suitable for various planting conditions, thereby supporting the sustainable production of this important oilseed crop. This study will deepen the comprehensive understanding of rapeseed agriculture, aiding the further optimization and development of planting strategies. 2 Global Production and Characteristics of Rapeseed 2.1 Global production and distribution Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops globally, cultivated extensively for its vegetable oil, animal feed, and biodiesel production. The crop is grown in diverse ecological environments, from high-altitude areas like the Qinghai Plateau in China to the subtropical regions of Assam, India (Basumatary et al., 2021; Xiong et al., 2022). Major rapeseed-producing countries include Canada, China, India, and several European nations. In China, for instance, rapeseed is a crucial crop, with significant production zones in the Yangtze River Basin and other regions (Zhang et al., 2020; Liang et al., 2023). The cultivation of rapeseed on winter fallow fields in the Yangtze River Basin helps enhance bioenergy and edible oil security. Studies indicate that achieving 60% of the cultivation potential could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imported rapeseed and soybeans by 2030 (Tian et al., 2021). The global distribution of rapeseed cultivation is influenced by multiple factors, including climatic conditions, soil types, and agricultural practices (Jin et al., 2019; Raza, 2020). Research shows that in China’s rapeseed-growing regions, temperature and cumulative sunlight have a significant impact on yield, with sunlight being a greater limiting factor, especially in the Yangtze River Basin. Furthermore, agronomic management has a more substantial effect on yield than climate change, suggesting the selection of high-yield varieties according to ecological zones to optimize agronomic management strategies (Li et al., 2022). In regions such as Poland, studies reveal that water availability and soil structure (e.g., sand content in soil) significantly influence rapeseed yield, with high variability in yield resulting from these factors (Zymaroieva et al., 2020). 2.2 Biological characteristics of rapeseed Rapeseed is a member of the Brassicaceae family and exhibits several biological traits that contribute to its adaptability and productivity. It has a deep taproot system that allows it to access nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, making it relatively drought-tolerant. Research has shown that rapeseed exhibits deeper root systems and increased water-use efficiency under drought conditions, which contributes to stability in growth during dry seasons. By regulating root growth through hormone signaling, such as abscisic acid (ABA), rapeseed’s adaptability to water stress can be further enhanced (Dai et al., 2020). Structural characteristics of rapeseed, such as branching patterns and silique (seed pod) formation, play crucial roles in determining yield. Shi et al. (2019) found a positive correlation between silique length and seed weight. Genes influencing silique length, such as BnaA9.CYP78A9, extend the growth period of the silique by regulating auxin levels, thus increasing both seed weight and silique length, which are essential for boosting rapeseed yield. During the maturation stage, siliques are prone to shattering, leading to seed loss, particularly during mechanical harvesting. Strengthening silique wall toughness and controlling cell separation can effectively reduce shattering rates and improve seed harvest rates (Mustafa et al., 2022). Genetic factors, such as specific alleles of the BnaA3.IAA7 gene, also impact plant structure and yield advantage, enhancing overall productivity (Li et al., 2019). Rapeseed exhibits complex adaptive mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses, such as drought, soil acidity, and nutrient deficiencies. These mechanisms involve intricate physiological and biochemical processes, including
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