Agronomic and seed quality evaluation of Camelina sativa in western Canada

Abstract

Renewed interest in Camelina sativa is primarily due to the unique fatty acid profile of the seed oil and its potential value in industry, cosmetics and human nutrition. To exploit C. sativa in western Canada, more information is needed on the performance of this crop in this region. Following a preliminary evaluation in 2001, replicated agronomic trials were conducted in 2002 and 2005 with 19 C. sativa and three oilseed Brassica accessions at Saskatoon and Scott, Saskatchewan and Beaverlodge, Alberta. The C. sativa accessions matured relatively early and were more tolerant of drought and flea beetle infestations than the Brassica oilseeds. Some C. sativa accessions had seed yields competitive with those of the Brassica oilseeds, but seed size was significantly smaller. Seed yields and oil contents of all crop species tested were highest at Beaverlodge, the most northern location. The Brassica oilseeds generally had higher oil contents than C. sativa; the highest oil contents of each crop species tested were associated with the lowest protein contents. In general, average oil and protein contents for C. sativa ranged from 38 to 43% and from 27 to 32%, respectively; for the Brassica checks, oil and protein contents ranged from 38 to 53% and from 21 to 33%, respectively, across all species. Variation in fatty acid composition was higher among the C. sativa accessions than among locations, but overall the ranges of individual fatty acids were relatively narrow. The most abundant fatty acids were oleic (12.8–14.7%), linoleic (16.3–17.2%), linolenic (36.2–39.4%) and eicosenoic (14.0–15.5%). The prospects of developing improved C. sativa germplasm for particular western Canadian environments are good; of primary importance are increased seed size and oil content. Additionally, stand establishment, fertility requirements and broadleaf weed control options need to be investigated. Acceptance of this species as a new oilseed crop for western Canada will also require developing sustainable markets for the oil and meal. Key words: Camelina sativa, seed quality, agronomic trait, oil and protein content, fatty acid

Biofuels Get in the Fast Lane: Developments in Plant Feedstock Production and Processing

“…The low production cost in combination with the short period from seed to harvest (85 to 100 days) make it an ideal crop for biodiesel production. Camelina is able to grow under moist soil types [72] and cold semi-arid growing regions [68]. In addition, the plant grows well on marginal land and can tolerate drought conditions.…”

“…Nowadays, the plant is mainly cultivated in the Balkans and in Russia and to a lesser extends in northern France, Belgium and Holland. In North America, camelina is widely distributed in Saskatchewan, the Maritime Provinces and the northern US Great Plains Regions [72,74]. In 2004, camelina was introduced to Montana, initially in field trials, andsince then production has expanded to commercial scale.…”

“…The establishment of an even crop with row spacing 12 to 14 cm enhances the competitiveness of the crop against weeds. Generally, the seeding and harvesting equipment used for canola crop is suitable for camelina [72]. Harvest by direct cutting, using a standard combine, when the pods color changes from green to golden brown and seed moisture is no more than 8% is the preferred method.…”

“…In addition, the plant grows well on marginal land and can tolerate drought conditions. Camelina is usually seeded in spring [72,73] in temperate climates when the soil temperature is about 10°C. In the Mediterranean or warmer regions, it is advised to seed camelina in the fall because the plant cannot tolerate well temperatures above 25°C during the flowering and seed set stage.…”

Physical and chemical characteristics and fatty acids composition of seeds oil isolated from Camelina sativa (L) cultivated in Mongolia

“…Seeds contain 38 to 43% oil and 27 to 32% protein, respectively. Over 50% of the fatty acids in cold pressed Camelina oil are polyunsaturated [2]. The vitamin E in Camelina oil is approximately 110 mg/100 g. It is well suited for use as cooking oil [3].…”