The
relaunching
of these crops
follows the
PAC line,
which envisages:
the alignment
of EU prices
with international
prices; the
abandon of
political
prices; the
reduction
of production
factors in
agriculture;
4) production
of goods not
destined directly
or indirectly
for human
consumption.
These approaches offer new outlets for crops offering alternative raw materials. Industrial sectors where there is a demand for raw materials are the textile and paper industries. In this sector, the Institute has made a great effort as regards hemp by selecting suitable cultivars and studying the most important techniques, especially maceration.
As regards linen, a large agronomic study has been set up (growing systems, sowing density, sowing time, weed-killing) and germplasm collected. It is necessary to work on breeding, optimising quantity and quality. It is necessary to collect knowledge on the physiology of the crop to identify the physiological restraints posed by the environments (North and South of Italy) and the ecological factors (stress from low temperatures in early sowing).
The
research on
vegetable
oils (renewable
and biodegradable
raw materials)
is aimed at
the use of
these products
by lipochemical
and automobile
industries.
This line
of activity
has involved:
the acquisition
of new knowledges
on some oil
seed species
(crambe);
the characterisation
of the oils
contained
in the seeds
of Brassicacee.
One of the
most important
constituents
of these oils
is erucic
acid which
makes it particularly
interesting
for the pesticide,
detergent
and lubrication
Industry.
The Brassicacee
also contain
glucosinolates
which, following
enzymatic
hydrolysis,
give products
with a biocidal
action towards
insects and
fungi.