Evaluation of two new linseed cultivars for oilseed production in Canterbury

Abstract

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is grown in New Zealand for both oil extraction and baking purposes. Two new brown linseed cultivars 'Bilton' and 'Biltstar', both of Dutch origin, were trialled in the Ashburton district in 2006-07 and 2007-08, to evaluate their suitability for seed and oil production. They were compared with the current industry standard cultivar 'Hinu' and the more recently released cultivar 'Juliet'. There was a large range in yields among sites and seasons. When meaned across sites, cultivar yields ranged from 2,596 to 3,012 kg/ha. Bilton and Juliet produced significantly higher yields than Hinu, while Biltstar was intermediate. Thousand seed weight ranged from 5.76 g to 7.65 g with Biltstar producing the heaviest seed. There was a significant cultivar effect for both oil content and α-linolenic acid (ALA) content. Biltstar and Juliet produced the highest oil content (40.7% and 40.3% respectively). ALA levels were highest in Biltstar and Hinu (62.1% and 60.9% of total fatty acids respectively). There was no significant difference in oil yield (kg oil/ha) among cultivars. Four cultivars may have a place in Canterbury for oilseed production depending on end use and grower payment conditions. Keywords: Linum usitatissimum, flaxseed, seed yield, oil content, α-linolenic acid, thousand seed weight