Camelina: Adaptation and performance of genotypes

Abstract

Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) has shown potential as an alternative and biofuel crop in cereal-based cropping systems. Our study investigated the adaption, performance, and yield stability among camelina genotypes across diverse US Pacific Northwest (PNW) environments. Seven named camelina genotypes and 11 experimental numbered genotypes were evaluated for seed and oil yield in trials at 18 location/year environments that spanned four annual precipitation zones. Locations were rainfed with long-term mean annual precipitation ranging from 242 to 1085mm. Thirteen trials were spring-planted and five were fall-planted. Oil content was determined on seed from seven trials, seed weight from five trials, plant height and grain density from four trials, and plant lodging from two trials. Yield stability index was determined and related to seed yield across trials and within each of four annual precipitation zones. Seed yields varied from a trial mean of 127kg/ha at Lind WA during a year of extreme drought to 3302kg/ha at Pullman WA with the grand mean 1213kg/ha. Seed yields among genotypes were significantly different (P<0.05) in 10 environments and ranged across environments from 913kg/ha for ‘GP07’ to 1349kg/ha for ‘Celine’. Spring planting produced higher yields than fall planting and named genotypes out-performed numbered genotypes overall. Between the two highest yielding genotypes, ‘Calena’ was more stable for yield than Celine. Stability index values varied among genotypes within each annual precipitation zone evaluated indicating adaptation differences among genotypes. Oil content varied from 29.6% to 36.8% across environments but varied less among genotypes – 30.8–32.9%. Oil content was negatively correlated to seed yield. Grand means for camelina performance characteristics in four trials were 1.25g/1000 seed weight, 92.4cm plant height, and 652kg/m3 seed density. Named genotypes were more productive than numbered genotypes across environments and can be grown is diversified environments when selected based on anticipated precipitation, seed yield, oil content, and other agronomic characteristics.