Partition of Photosynthates and Energy Production in Different Flax Cultivars

Abstract

Two field trials were carried out in the Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Research Centre at Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate during 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons to evaluate seven fibre flax, i.e., Wiko, Nike, Alba, Viking, Texa and Belinka genotypes as well as two dual purpose flax, i.e., Giza 5 and Giza 6 in relation to energy production. The results showed that flax cultivars differed significantly in photosynthate partitions. Significant differences were obtained in carbohydrates, protein and oil percentage of vegetative organs, seeds and straw, except protein percentage of straw which responded insignificantly. Glucose required for synthesis of chemical constituents, carbon equivalent in vegetative organs, straw and seeds differed significantly in all investigated flax cultivars under investigation. Energy yield plant−1 and hectare _1 for straw and seeds yield also differed significantly. All investigated flax cultivars showed significant differences in yield as well as its components. Broad sense heritability and coefficient of variation were estimated for all investigated flax cultivars. Heritability ranged between 60.93% for number of capsules plant _1 and 90.74% for seed index.