Biological determinants of plant and crop productivity of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

A b s t r a c tIn Poland the cultivation of the fibrous form of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is dying out, but the acreage of its oilseed form, linseed, which provides seed (Semen lini) used in therapy and being a source of -linolenic acid, is expanding. Nowadays, linseed is grown in 64 countries of the world, but yield levels in these countries vary greatly. Under European conditions, seed yield of linseed shows high variation, which is evidence of little knowledge of the biology of this plant and the lack of precise cultivation solutions in agricultural technologies used. A major reason is the difficulty in obtaining optimal crop density. A sparse crop results in low above-ground biomass yield, which is translated into insufficient crop yields. The selection of highly productive domestic and foreign varieties can partially increase linseed yield; apart from some domestic varieties, the Canadian cultivar 'Flanders' and the Hungarian cultivar 'Barbara' are positive examples in this respect. There is a possibility of effective selection at early stages of linseed breeding, which bodes well for the prospect of obtaining highly productive varieties with normal or very low -linolenic acid content.

Linseed as a dual-purpose crop: evaluation of cultivar suitability and analysis of yield determinants

“…However, TSW was characterized by a more complex determinism with respect to SEED_Y, as it responded to a higher number of factors, which may have raised variability, weakening the correlation between SEED_Y and TSW. The current results, therefore, do not confirm the validity of TSW and BPP as selection criteria for yield, as reported by other authors (Adugna & Labuschagne 2003; Diederichsen & Raney 2006; Zając et al 2012).…”

“…Cultivar evaluation should also adequately characterize the response to climatic factors, which can play a major role in the success of cultivation (D'Antuono & Rossini 1995; Zając et al . 2012). Field-based research conducted over the last two decades has demonstrated that linseed yield is strongly affected by environmental factors, causing high inter-annual yield variations (Cremaschi et al 1995; Casa et al 1999; Hassan & Leitch 2001; Adugna & Labuschagne 2002, 2003; Zając et al 2012).…”

“…2012). Field-based research conducted over the last two decades has demonstrated that linseed yield is strongly affected by environmental factors, causing high inter-annual yield variations (Cremaschi et al 1995; Casa et al 1999; Hassan & Leitch 2001; Adugna & Labuschagne 2002, 2003; Zając et al 2012). Agronomic guidelines also need to be reviewed and updated in relation to the new production goals.…”

Tocochromanols and fatty acid composition in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions

“…This cluster contained accessions originating from different geographical regions, indicative of a weak relationship between trait performance and geographical origins [32]. There is consensus that linseed yields and the biochemical quality of their seeds vary greatly across the universe and are strongly influenced by climatic conditions [33].…”

The effect of different seeding densities of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on flax flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…In trials conducted in France only half of the sown seeds germinated (Flenet et al 2006). According to Zając et al (2012) the highest yield of linseed was achieved when 400 to 600 seeds per 1 m 2 were sown.…”