Rapeseed (Brassica napus) — an annual herbaceous plant of the Brassicaceae family, widely grown in Ukraine and other countries. There are two main forms of rapeseed: winter and spring, with winter rapeseed being the most important in agriculture. Mature plants reach heights of 1 to 2 meters, have erect, branching stems, and a well-developed taproot system. After flowering, pods up to 12 cm long form, containing up to 30 seeds, which are the main raw material for oil production. Rapeseed is valued for its high oil content in seeds — 40–52%, exceeding sunflower oil levels. Rapeseed oil ranks among the top three vegetable oil sources worldwide and is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and soapmaking sectors. Additionally, cake and meal obtained after seed processing are used as animal feed, and green rapeseed biomass serves as valuable fodder. Due to its zero-waste production and high profitability, rapeseed remains a widely demanded crop with broad applications. Rapeseed cultivation technology includes soil preparation, sowing, crop care, and harvest. Rapeseed thrives in various climatic conditions, contributing to its widespread cultivation. Its high yield at relatively low cultivation costs makes rapeseed a profitable crop for farmers. Its products are used not only in the food industry but also in the fuel energy sector, expanding the prospects for rapeseed cultivation in different regions.
