Yield quantity and quality of two linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars as affected by sowing date

Abstract

Linseed is a rich source of ω–3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. While in recent years, various industrial applications of linseed oil such as biofuels, are increasing. To find out appropriate sowing dates of two linseed cultivars, a four-year field experiment was accomplished during the growing seasons of 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 in Kermanshah, west of Iran. The results showed that the flowering period reduced with delay in planting that followed by exposure to the development of the seed and capsule ripening stages to higher environmental temperature and reduced grain yield consequently. In both cultivars, delays in the planting date also resulted in reductions in yield components. Delayed planting in both cultivars reduced the amount of α-linoleic acid and increased oleic acid. While was not observed significant changes in the total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with a delay in planting date. In general, based on the results of this experiment, linseed can be cultivated in the region to produce a suitable seed and oil yield, while it should be noted that delay in planting, in addition to reducing yield, will reduce the quality of oil for industrial uses.