Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) responses to chilling and heat stress on flowering and seed yield

Abstract

The effect of a 5°C chilling treatment at the seedling stage on days to flower, yield and oil quality and quantity was determined for seven cultivars of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Three days of chilling delayed flowering in Dufferin, McGregor and NorLin, whereas 5 d of chilling delayed flowering in all cultivars except Andro and Noralta. Seven days of chilling reduced the seed yield of only McGregor, Norlin, NorMan and Vimy. The effect of a 40°C heat stress at the flowering stage on yield and oil composition was determined for the same seven cultivars. A heat stress of 40°C for 3 d reduced the seed yield of NorMan, whereas, a 5 d stress reduced the seed yield of all cultivars except McGregor and Noralta. The composition of the oil was not affected by the heat stress. These results suggest genetic variability exists among flax cultivars for tolerance to chilling and heat stresses. Controlled tests can be used to select superior stress tolerant genotypes.