Camelina - An alternative oil crop

Abstract

Camelina sativa [L.] is an ancient oilseed which was grown extensively in Russia, the Middle East, Scandinavia and Europe up to the 1950's. It produces an oil with potential as a low-input biofuels feedstock and which is known to have high levels of fatty acids beneficial for humans. The residual meal, after oil extraction, has various uses such as a protein source in food, in fodder, in aquaculture and as a fertilizer. Relatively tolerant of drought and frost, it is resistant to many pests and diseases that plague other oilseed crops. It usually costs less to grow than other oilseeds, is considered to be a short season crop and is adaptable to different seasonal and edaphic conditions. The production of biokerosene from camelina oil has been proven and its use in a blend for aviation has been assessed successfully in several test flights.