Overview and Management of the Most Common Eukaryotic Diseases of Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Abstract

Flax is an important crop cultivated for its seeds and fibers. It is widely grown in temperate regions, with an increase in cultivation areas for seed production (linseed) in the past 50 years and for fiber production (fiber flax) in the last decade. Among fiber-producing crops, fiber flax is the most valuable species. Linseed is the highest omega-3 oleaginous crop, and its consumption provides several benefits for animal and human health. However, flax production is impacted by various abiotic and biotic factors that affect yield and quality. Among biotic factors, eukaryotic diseases pose a significant threat to both seed production and fiber quality, which highlights the economic importance of controlling these diseases. This review focuses on the major eukaryotic diseases that affect flax in the field, describing the pathogens, their transmission modes and the associated plant symptoms. Moreover, this article aims to identify the challenges in disease management and provide future perspectives to overcome these biotic stresses in flax cultivation. By emphasizing the key diseases and their management, this review can aid in promoting sustainable and profitable flax production.

Flax lines of hybrid origin homozygous for genes of chlorophyll coloration and other morphological traits in the VIR flax genetic collection

“…Общемировая площадь посевов составляет у льна-долгунца 0,26 млн га, а у льна масличного -4,5 млн га (FAOSTAT, 2023). Несмотря на то, что среди культур, производящих волокно, лён-долгунец является наиболее ценным видом (Moyse et al, 2023), площади под ним в России катастрофически уменьшаются и в 2022 году составили около 32 тыс. га (FAOSTAT, 2023).…”