Abstract
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a traditional oilseed crop in Europe that represents a valuable alternative for cropping systems because of the high quality of the seed oil, which is being increasingly appreciated by consumers, food, cosmetic and ecomaterials industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of linseed variety and year of production in relation to weather conditions on seed yields, oil content and its quality, with a focus on human nutrition value, through a field study carried at four different locations in Slovenia. Six early French linseed varieties were studied: Recital, Niagara, Princess, Altess, Comtess and Duchess. The seed yield was significantly affected by the year of production (413 kg/ha higher in 2012 compared to 2013), the location and the variety. The environmental factors that negatively affect seed yield are high temperatures in summer, water shortage and wet and cold soil in spring. The highest seed yield was reached at mid-heavy soil (1907 kg/ha) in the region with higher precipitation amount, while the lowest on light soil (1052 kg/ha) in the region with a lower precipitation amount. Comtess and Altess varieties, followed by Duchess, would be recommendable for Slovenian environmental conditions. Comtess variety gave the significantly highest oil yield. There were no significant differences in oil content between varieties. The content of α-linolenic acid was highly related to genetic and environmental factors. The ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was recognized as favorable for human health for all studied varieties. The content of α-linolenic acid in seeds from the Altess, Comtess and Duchess varieties exceeded the averages of 2012 and 2013, at 50.3% and 51.6%, respectively. The omega-3:omega-6 ratio ranged from 3:1 to 4:1 among varieties.
Highlights
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a traditional oilseed crop that represents a valuable alternative for cropping systems due to its adaptability to poor soils and its high economic value relative to the high quality of the seed oil, which is being increasingly appreciated by consumers, the food industry and the cosmetics and ecomaterials industries [1]
Observed linseed varieties were monitored in Slovenia for two years (2012 and 2013) in a field trial at four locations in order to give a new viewpoint of cultivating linseed, to estimate the seed and oil production regarding weather conditions and locations with different soil characteristics
The highest seed yield was reached at the location with mid-heavy soil in the region with higher precipitation amounts, and the lowest on light soils in the region with lower precipitation amounts
Summary
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a traditional oilseed crop that represents a valuable alternative for cropping systems due to its adaptability to poor soils and its high economic value relative to the high quality of the seed oil, which is being increasingly appreciated by consumers, the food industry and the cosmetics and ecomaterials industries [1]. Linseed seed yield in European countries is highly variable [4]: linseed thrives best in regions with temperate climates with moderate warmth, high humidity and well-drained medium–heavy soils [5]. In order to reach high linseed oil yield and quality, it is necessary to understand the factors of influence. Cool climates usually result in high oil and low protein content in seed [6]
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