Adaptation of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz in Assam, India: agronomic, physiological and biochemical aspects of a potential biofuel feedstock

Abstract

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz (family Brassicaceae) or false flax, a new oilseed plant for biodiesel and jet fuel production, has been cultivated for centuries in the temperate climate belt of Europe, as an annual summer or winter crop. Camelina is gaining popularity because of its low input requirements and its possibility of being used as a low greenhouse gas emission biofuel crop. Consecutive agronomic trials were carried out in northeast India (Assam), which is characterized by a sub-tropical climate. Three genotypes were used for the study. Comparisons at agronomic, physiological and biochemical levels were carried out. Results demonstrate that Camelina could grow and produce seeds in northeast India only during the winter season (October to March) when precipitation was absent, and the temperature was comparable to that of the temperate European belt in spring–summer. The oil quality and quantities showed small changes and remain in a suitable range for biofuel production. We infer that Camelina sativa has a high level of plasticity and ability to adapt in an area outside of its original habitat and can be cultivated in winter, as a second crop, in northeast India to provide a valuable feedstock for biofuel producers.