Linseed Varieties Research Articles

Effect of different moisture conservation practices on growth and yield of linseed varieties under rainfed condition of central Uttar Pradesh

A field study was carried out at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during two consecutive years in rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16 to assess the effect of different moisture conservation practices on growth and yield of linseed varieties under rainfed condition of Central Uttar Pradesh. The soil of the experimental area was Sandy Loam having Bulk density 1.36 Mg m-3, particle density 2.60 Mg m-3, water holding capacity 29.70%, field capacity 18.6%, porosity 47.7%, pH 7.9, electrical conductivity 0.37ds m-1 at 25°C, organic carbon 0.30%, Total N 0.027%, available N 170.5 kg ha-1, P2O5 16.4 kg ha-1, 180.1 K2O kg ha-1 and S 8.80 kg ha-1. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of 3 varieties i.e. T-397, Padmini and Shekhar along with 3 moisture conservation practices i.e. control or farmer´s practice, dust mulching created by hand hoe after one weeding by khurpi at 20 DAS and organic residue mulch (paddy stover) @ 4 t ha-1 at 20 DAS were tested in the experiment. Based on two years study it was concluded that `Shekhar´ variety of linseed proved to be the most promising in production, root development, water use efficiency, net return and benefit: cost ratio, compared to `Padmini´ and T-397 varieties under rainfed condition while among moisture conservation practices, application of organic residue mulch @ 4 t ha-1 on soil surface in between the crop rows at 20 days after sowing was found to be more remunerative in comparison to dust mulch and farmer´s practice (one weeding by khurpi) on sandy loam soil under rainfed condition at Kanpur.

Tane Rengi ve Tane Ağırlığının Keten (Linum usitatissimum L.) Tohumunun Çimlenme Gücü Üzerine Etkileri

Ülkemizde yağ bitkilerinin arz ettiği öneme binaen bu bitkilerde yapılacak çalışmaların da önemi fazladır. Keten (Linum usitatissimum L.) bitkisi, uygun olmayan koşulları iyi değerlendirebilen yağ bitkilerinin başında gelen bir bitkidir. Dolayısıyla bu bitki üzerinde yetiştirme tekniğine yönelik olarak yapılacak çalışmaların yanında fizyolojik çalışmalarında yapılması özel önem arz etmektedir. Keten bitkisi iki farklı tohum rengine sahiptir. Tohum rengi, keten yağının bileşiminde bulunan bitkisel yağ kompozisyonu ile ilişkilidir. Ketende tane renginin birkaç gen tarafından kontrol edildiği ve markör özellik taşıdığı yapılan çalışmalarda tespit edilmiştir. Bu araştırmada; tane rengi ve tane ağırlığının tohumun biyolojik gücüne etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada bitki materyali olarak; sarı ve kahverengi taneye sahip iki keten hattı ve 1000 tane ağırlığı bakımından küçük ve büyük olmak üzere iki farklı keten grubu kullanılmıştır. Deneme; Bölünmüş Parseller Deneme Desenine göre 3 tekerrür olarak, 22±1°C‘ye ayarlı inkübatörde yürütülmüştür. Araştırma sonucu; tohumun çimlenme gücü üzerine tane renginin etkisinin çok önemli olduğu, tane büyüklüğünün etkisinin ise önemsiz olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre keten bitkisinde kahverengi tohumların çimlenme gücünün daha yüksek olabileceği, 1000 tane ağırlığı ile çimlenme gücü arasında ise doğrudan bir ilişkinin olmadığı sonucuna varılmıştır.

Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Two Linseed Varieties as Sources of Health-Beneficial Substances.

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is becoming more and more important in the health food market as a functional food, since its seeds and oil represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. Its chemical composition is strongly correlated with, and dependent on, genetic characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in seed yield, oil content, fatty acid composition and secondary metabolite profiles between a low-linolenic linseed variety, belonging to the Solin-type group (Solal), and a high-linolenic traditional one (Bethune), cultivated, both as spring crops, in open field conditions of Central Italy. The achieved results pointed out the different behavior of the two varieties in terms of growth cycle, oil content, and some important yield components, such as capsule number per plant and thousand seed weight. There were also significant differences in seed composition regarding total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activities as well as in carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol profiles between the two varieties. In particular, Solal was characterized by the greatest contents of oil, phenols, flavonoids, α- and δ- tocotrienol, together with the highest antioxidant activity. Bethune, on the contrary, showed the highest amounts of carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene). These results indicate a clear effect of the genetic characteristics on the biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites and, consequently, on the related antioxidant activity. Our findings suggest that the mutation process, responsible for the selection of the low-linolenic cultivar, is able to modify the biosynthetic pathways of carotenoids and phenolics.

Outstanding Performance of Recently Released Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Variety (Yadanno) and Other Linseed Lines in South Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia

Yadanno is a common name for the linseed variety developed through hybridization and continuous selections using pedigree method. Yadanno was selected, developed and released by Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center for Arsi and West Arsi Zones and similar agro-ecologies of linseed growing areas of Ethiopia. Specifically, it was tested at Kulumsa, Bekoji, Asasa and Kofele for three years (2010/11 to 2012/13) and verified in 2014/15 at listed locations for 2016 official release. As a result, Yadanno consistently produced better mean seed and oil yields than the standard check (Kulumsa-1) and the local check over three years. Likewise, it proved to be resistant to wilt ( Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini ), powdery mildew (Oidium sp.) and pasmo (Septoria linicola) diseases. The results of the multi-location trials revealed that Yadanno was superior in seed and oil yields performance across years and locations. Besides, it is stable variety based upon different stability parameters. Keywords : Edible Oil; Yadanno ; Linseed; Variety registration DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-7-05 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Biodiversity in Ethiopian linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): molecular characterization of landraces and some wild species

Molecular characterization of germplasm is important for sustainable exploitation of crops. DNA diversity was measured using inter-retrotransposon-amplified-polymorphism and inter-simple-sequence-repeat markers in 203 Ethiopian landraces and reference varieties of linseed (flax, Linum usitatissimum) and wild Linum species. Molecular diversity was high (PIC, 0.16; GD, 0.19) compared to other reports from the species. Genotyping separated reference from landrace accessions, and clustered landrace accessions from different altitudes and geographical regions. Collections showed evidence for recent introduction of varieties in some regions. The phylogeny supported L. bienne Mill. as the progenitor of domesticated L. usitatissimum. Markers developed here will be useful for genetic mapping and selection of breeding lines. The results show the range of characters that can be exploited in breeding lines appropriate for smallholder and commercial farmers in Ethiopia, producing a sustainable, secure, high-value crop meeting agricultural, economic and cultural needs.

Seed yield of linseed varieties grown as ‘paira’ crop as influenced by dates of sowing

Linseed is an industrial crop cultivated for its seeds, fibres and oil purpose. Linseed crop can met their requirement i.e. moisture and nutritional demand from stored soil moisture and residual fertility status in "utera? or "paira? system of cropping. On the basis of this fact an experiment was conducted on “Seed yield of linseed varieties grown as paira crop as influenced by dates of sowing” in red and laterite zone of West Bengal during rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Rice Research Station, Bankura, West Bengal, India. Poor in organic matter content, available phosphate and bases, hard structure of iron and aluminium patterned as honeycomb are present in the subsurface regions of the profiles and kaolinite is the predominant clay minerals of red and lateritic zone (western part) of West Bengal. This experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and compared two factors (dates of sowing and linseed varieties). Objective was identifying the optimum date of sowing and suitable linseed varieties grown as „paira? crop under changed climate in red and laterite zone of West Bengal. The experimental results revealed that the highest seed yield (534 kg ha-1 as pooled value) was recorded from the treatment D1 i.e. linseed sown on 15th November. The lowest seed yield (489.2 kg ha-1 as pooled value) was obtained with treatment D3 i.e. linseed sown on 29th November. Among linseed varieties, T-397 has yielded highest seed yield (573.4 kg ha-1 as pooled value). Lowest seed yield (409. 3 kg ha-1 as pooled data) was recorded from Neela variety. From the present study it may be concluded that linseed sown on 15th November is the best time and T-397 is the suitable linseed variety grown as "paira? crop under changed climate in red and laterite zone of West Bengal.

Effect of Golden and Brown Linseed Fibre on Wheat Flour Pasting, Dough Properties and Bread Quality

Wheat flour was enhanced by linseed fibre, characterised by granulation 500–700 μm. Using seeds from 2015 flax harvest, linseed fibre was gained from two golden and one brown linseed varieties (Amon, Raciol and Recital, respectively). Additions at levels 2.5% and 5.0% affected amylases activity and protein technological quality softly, evaluated by Falling Number and Zeleny sedimentation tests, respectively. Both brown and yellow linseed fibre significantly supported extensograph elasticity of non-fermented dough. Baking potential of composites tested evaluated as extensograph energy significantly decreased about 7–18%, likely owing to dilution of dough gluten skeleton. Pasting behaviour of flour composites reflected a hydrophilic character of non-traditional material — amylograph viscosity was elevated from 590 units to ca 700 units by Amon and Recital fibre, and to ca 930 units by Raciol fibre. Pasting profiles of flour composites, recorded by using of Rapid Visco Analyser, confirmed this finding. Dough fermentation was represented by maturograph test, during which the tested samples were differentiated in part according to the dough resistance. Reflecting small modifications in dough visco-elastic properties, specific volumes of bread buns were similar trough whole sample set. A weak worsening of buns vaulting reflected a partial disruption of dough gluten skeleton. Consumer’s quality of all enhanced bread variants was evaluated in category acceptable, determined as crumb penetration (values higher than 20 mm).

On-Farm Verification of Linseed and Sesame Variety for Fallow-Fallow-T Aman Rice Cropping System in Sylhet Region of Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted during rabi and kharif seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to find out suitable linseed and sesame genotypes to fit in the Fallow-Fallow- T. aman rice cropping system under AEZ 20 in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six dispersed replications. It was revealed that among the different linseed varieties, the genotype Zokiganj-local gave the maximum number (31.40) of capsules plant-1 and 1000-seed weight (4.01g) with the highest seed yield (1003 kg ha-1). Similarly, sesame var. BARI Til-4 provided maximum number of capsules plant-1 (71.33), seeds plant-1 (70.33) and highest 1000-seed weight (3.012g), which resulted the highest seed yield (1150 kg ha-1) yield in arable fallow land of Sylhet region. The lowest seed yield 782 and 840 kg ha-1 of linseed and sesame was produced by the genotypes Patuakhali local and the var. BARI Til-3, respectively.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 7-12

Mineral and Anti-Nutritional Contents of Niger Seed (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass., Linseed (Linumusitatissimum L.) and Sesame (Sesamumindicum L.) Varieties Grown in Ethiopia.

Oilseeds are rich sources of micronutrients and contribute to combating malnutrition caused by micronutrient deficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the mineral and anti-nutritional contents of different varieties of niger seed, linseed and sesame. Five niger seed, eight linseed and ten sesame varieties were used. Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used for mineral analysis and the standard method was adopted to estimate tannin and phytate. Twelve mineral elements; Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, S, Se and Zn were analyzed for each oilseed variety. In niger seed, phosphorous was the most abundant mineral element ranging from 661 to 867 mg/100 g and selenium was the least, ranging from 0.1 to 0.33 mg/100 g. Potassium was recorded in the range of 502 to 732 mg/100 g for linseed varieties. Calcium was the most common mineral element in sesame (1112 to 1787 mg/100 g). The average phytate contents of niger seed, linseed and sesame varieties were353 mg/100 g, 104 mg/100 g and 285 mg/100 g, respectively. Tannin ranged from 91 to 201 mg/100 g, 96 to 695 mg/100 g and 85 to 660 mg/100 g in niger seed, linseed and sesame, respectively. In conclusion, there is a significant variation among the varieties within each crop species as well as among the different oilseeds in terms of their mineral and anti-nutritional contents.

Influence of sowing time on performance of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of different linseed varieties (Binwa, Himani, Baner and Nagarkot) during different time of sowing (last week of October, first week of November and last week of November). Among different times of sowing, the crop sown during first week of November and last week of October being at par with each other had recorded significantly higher plant stand, more plant height and higher number ofsecondary branches/plant and capsules/plant, which have contributed in getting significantly higher seed yield and economic return over November last week sown crop. The increase of 37.6 and 35.0 per cent in seed yield and ` 5110 and 4281/ha in net returns were obtained when sowing was done during first week of November and last week of October, respectively over crop sown on last week of November. Among varieties, Nagarkot has recorded significantly highest plant population/ha, which was followed by Himani and Baner varieties. Nagarkot was found to significantly superior for recording higher number of primary and secondary branches and Himani for number of capsules/plant, which have resulted higher seed yield of 1062 and 1012 kg/ha and economic parameters (B:C ratio of 1.62 and 1.50) with Himani and Nagarkot varieties, respectively.

Effect of water stress on growth of three linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties.

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an annual oil crop that accounts for approximately 1 % of the world’s oilseed supplies. It produces seeds that are rich in the health-promoting ω-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic. In Kenya, linseed is grown in the Rift Valley and Western regions, places which often experience drought. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of water stress on growth of three linseed cultivars and to establish the extent of drought tolerance in the three cultivars. A greenhouse pot experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The pots were well watered until the fourth week when watering was completely withheld to a half of the pots (stressed) while the other half (well watered control) was maintained at 90 % field capacity. Destructive harvesting was done when the stressed pots were at 90, 70, 60, 50, 40 % field capacities and at permanent wilting point. The experiment was replicated thrice and was repeated twice (February–May and August–November 2014). There were no significant differences in production of leaves, plant height, number of tillers and biomass between the three varieties in both seasons. Subjecting the linseed varieties to permanent wilting resulted in reduced production of leaves, growth in height, production of tillers and dry weight by 20–40 %. Decline in all growth parameters begun when 30–80 % of available soil water had been used up. There existed linear relationships between the various evaluated growth parameters. These relationships were not influenced either by the water status of soil or the varieties. Relative water content for the three linseed varieties declined after 25–67 % of available soil water had been used up.

Agronomical evaluation and chemical characterization of Linum usitatissimum L. as oilseed crop for bio-based products in two environments of Central and Northern Italy

In the recent years, new perspectives for linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) are open as renewable raw material for bio-based products (Bb), due to its oil composition, and the interesting amounts of coproducts (lignocellulosic biomass). Therefore, the possibility to introduce linseed crop in two environments of central and northern Italy, traditionally devoted to cereal cultivation, has been evaluated. Twoyears field trials were carried out in the coastal plain of Pisa (Tuscany region) and in the Po valley (Bologna, Emilia Romagna region), comparing two linseed varieties (Sideral and Buenos Aires). Agronomical evaluation (yield and yield components), seed and oil characterization (oil, protein content, and fatty acid composition), together with carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content of the residual lignocellulosic biomass were investigated. The two varieties, grown as autumn crop, showed a different percentage of plant survival at the end of winter, with Sideral most resistant to cold. The achieved results showed significant influence of cultivar, location and growing season on yield and yield components, as well as on chemical biomass composition. In particular, Sideral appeared to be the most suitable variety for tested environments, since higher seed yield (3.05 t ha–1 as mean value over years and locations) and above-ground biomass (6.98 t ha–1 as mean value over years and locations) were recorded in comparison with those detected for Buenos Aires (1.93 and 4.48 t ha–1 of seed production and lignocellulosic biomass, respectively). Interestingly, in the northern area, during the 1st year, Buenos Aires was the most productive, despite its low plant survival at the end of winter, which determined a strong reduction in plant density and size. In such conditions, the plants produced a larger number of capsules and, consequently, high seed yield (3.18 t ha–1). Relevant differences were also observed between the two years, due to the variability of climatic characteristics (temperature levels, and moisture regimes). All these findings confirmed as, in linseed, yield and yield components are quantitatively inherited and influenced by both genotype and environment (location and climate). Varietal and environmental effects were also recorded for oil content and yield, and, generally, good oil percentages, for both genotypes, were found (ranging from 44 to 49% on dry matter basis). Oil from the two varieties was characterized by a stable proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a high content of alpha-linolenic acid (more than 57%), that makes this oil suitable to be used in paints, resins, varnishes, linoleum, polymers and oleochemicals. Finally, our results pointed out as above- and below-ground biomasses, were different in terms of quantity, and chemical characteristics (N, C and C/N ratio). Interesting amounts of N and C could return into the soil by crop residues (stem portions and roots), thus underling the possibility to maintain and/or increase the soil organic matter pool.

Sequence characterization and in silico structure prediction of fatty acid desaturases in linseed varieties with differential fatty acid composition.

Linseed is the richest agricultural source of α-linolenic acid (ALA), an ω-3 fatty acid (FA) that offers several nutritional benefits. In the present study, sequence characterization of six desaturase genes (SAD1, SAD2, FAD2, FAD2-2, FAD3A and FAD3B) and 3D structure prediction of their proteins from ten Indian linseed varieties differing in ALA content were performed to determine whether the nucleotide and amino acid (AA) sequence variants have any functional implications in differential accumulation of ALA or other FAs in linseed. The SAD and FAD2 genes exhibited few sequence variations among the ten varieties, forming only one or two protein isoforms. In contrast, the FAD3A and FAD3B genes showed more sequence variations and three or four protein isoforms. Interestingly, the two high-ALA varieties NL260 and Padmini had the same FAD3B nucleotide and protein isoforms, which differed from all other varieties. Surprisingly, no AA changes altered the 3D structures of the desaturase proteins. Several nucleotide and AA sequence variations in desaturase genes were observed; however, they did not alter the 3D structure of any desaturase protein and were not correlated with FA levels among the ten linseed varieties, which had different ALA contents. This suggests a complex regulatory process of biosynthesis of FAs in linseed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oil productivity of seven Romanian linseed varieties as affected by weather conditions

In order to meet the linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil growing demand it is necessary to understand the factors that influence the oil productivity. Among these factors, weather conditions (temperature and rainfall regime) may have an important effect on the development of the linseed plant in different growth stages and eventually on the oil productivity, in the context of a rational water use in drought susceptible agricultural areas. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of weather conditions on linseed oil yield and quality through an extensive field study carried on seven Romanian linseed cultivars grown in the South-Eastern agricultural area of Romania. Nine consecutive crops were analyzed in terms of seed production, seed oil content, oil production, fatty acids profile and iodine index. In order to have a global perspective on the oil production (both quantitatively and qualitatively), two new descriptors (quality coefficient and cultivar efficiency) were defined and computed. Linseed cultivars were classified according to the oil unsaturation degree by means of Principal Component and Linear Discriminant Analysis techniques. The influence of the weather conditions on the linseed crop was analyzed on the basis of a multivariate regression equation correlating cultivar efficiencies with temperatures and rainfall levels (globally expressed as Sielianinov hydrothermal coefficients) within each oil unsaturation group. Based on the results, the May–June period was found critical for the linseed development, because of the accelerated plant growth both in terms of height and branching; during this period, rainfalls are a key factor for obtaining good crops. On the contrary, pronounced drought during May–June may compromise the crop, therefore irrigation is recommended. Irrigation is not necessary during July–August since high temperatures and low levels of precipitations were found beneficial for obtaining good linseed productivities.

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) as an oil crop in organic farming: abiotic impacts on seed ingredients and yield

Linseed contains substantial amounts of desired ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) and antioxidants, as well as undesired ingredients such as cyanogenic glycosides and cadmium. This paper presents and discusses the abiotic factors which influence quality and yield of linseed seeds in organic cropping systems. In temperate climates, conventional farmers can harvest more than 2.0 t seed ha−1, with oil contents ranging from 35 to 44 %. Organic trials usually had lower yields with up to approximately 1.8 t seed ha−1 in temperate, continental, and Mediterranean conditions. Cool climatic conditions in temperate regions lead to high shares (>60 %) of omega-3 fatty acids related to total oil content in organic farming as well as in conventional farming. Linseed achieved maximum yields of seeds and omega-3 fatty acids with a fertilization level of less than approximately 110 kg nitrogen ha−1. High levels of nitrogen fertilization did not benefit the content of omega-3 fatty acids; increasing the nitrogen fertilization from 52 to 260 kg ha−1 reduced the content of α-linolenic acid by 7.25 % in a trial. The content of cyanogenic compounds turned out to be positively correlated with the protein content of the seeds and the nitrogen fertilization; therefore, the usually moderate level of nitrogen supply in organic crop rotations could keep the content of cyanogenic glycosides on a comparatively low level, compared to cropping systems with higher nitrogen levels. Linseed is a hyper-accumulator of cadmium; the total cadmium content in the seeds is determined by the cadmium content of the soil and the linseed variety. Generally, the choice of linseed variety influences the quality of the seed, and respective varieties must be chosen to improve product quality. Harvest, post-harvest, and processing conditions additionally affect seed and oil quality. Heating can reduce the unwanted cyanogenic glycosides, but it also reduces the content of desired anti-oxidants and of omega-3 fatty acids.

INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND GENOTYPE ON THE LINSEED YIELD AND SEED QUALITY

The weakness of knowledge about linseed varieties and its growing features depending on genotype prevent linseed growing and seed marketing in Lithuania. The linseed varieties in Lithuania didn’t achieve yield promised in the variety description. The aim of our investigations was to establish the influence of linseed genotype on the plant productivity, agrotechnical and biological characteristic and seed quality. Nine linseed varieties: Helmi, Szafir, Symphonia, Blue Chip, Lirina, Olinette, Lu-5, Gold Merchant and Flanders were tested in year 2008. As the result of our investigations, the linseed variety Symphonia, with best productivity is recommended to grow and multiple in Lithuania.

Performance of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties to varying seed rates under utera system of cultivation in North West Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of varieties ('Bhagsu', 'Surbhi' and 'Baner') and seed rates (40, 50 and 60 kg/ha) on linseed production under utera condition at experimental farm of Oilseed Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur. Variety, 'Bhagsu' being at par with 'Baner' hasrecorded significantly higher yield attributes and seed yield of linseed (565 and 566 kg/ha, respectively). Sowing using seed rate of 60 kg/ha was proved to be significantly best for recording significantly highest plant stand, growth, yield attributes and yield of linseed (643 kg/ha). Interaction of varieties and seed rate wassignificant on seed yield and plant population. 'Bhagsu' and 'Baner' when sown with seed rate of 60 kg/ha found to be best for recording significantly higher seed yield of linseed (94.0 and 92.3%, respectively over the most inferior combination).

Influence of Climate, Variety and Production Process on Tocopherols, Plastochromanol-8 and Pigments in Flaxseed Oil.

The objective of this study is to compare the influence of genotype, environmental conditions and processing methods after maturation and harvesting of four varieties of flaxseed (Altess, Biltstar, Niagara and Oliwin) on the levels of tocochromanols, carotenoids and chlorophyll in flaxseed oil. Samples were produced by cold pressing of dry seeds and seeds heated for 30 min at 60 °C. Temperature, sunshine and rainfall were primary environmental conditions included. Grand mean of mass fraction of γ-tocopherol was (522±29), of plastochromanol-8 (305±2) and total tocochromanols (831±3) mg per kg of oil. The highest levels of these compounds and strongest antioxidant activity were found in cold- -pressed oil of Biltstar variety. During seed maturation, levels of γ-tocopherol and plastochromanol-8 increased with average temperature and total sunshine and decreased with total rainfall. Fifth week after flowering was identified as the maturation period with best climate conditions to achieve optimal tocochromanol content. Grand mean of mass fraction of carotenoids expressed as β-carotene was (1.83±0.01) and of chlorophyll expressed as pheophytin a (0.43±0.10) mg per kg of oil. Altess variety had the highest levels of pigments. Antioxidant activity decreased with the increase of chlorophyll, while correlations with carotenoids were not determined. Generally, oil obtained by cold pressing had higher levels of tocochromanols and lower levels of pigments but similar antioxidant activity to the oil after seed conditioning. The results of this study contribute to identifying the flaxseed variety that is the best for oil production with the highest antioxidant activity and nutritive value, and provide better understanding of tocochromanol biosynthesis depending on different climate conditions.

Genotype by Environment Interaction (G x E) and Grain Yield Stability Analysis of Ethiopian Linseed and Niger Seed Varieties

General Background : Niger seed [( Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass.), 2n = 30] and Linseed [( Linum usitatissimum L.), n=15] are indigenous oil crops of Ethiopia. Over many years, there are a few Linseed and Niger seed varieties developed and released through intensive breeding and genetics research program in Ethiopia. However, whether these varieties are stable, adaptable to the environments of Western Ethiopia and similar agro-ecologies are not clear. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to (i) assess genotype by environment interaction (G x E) and (ii) identify stable and adaptable Linseed and Niger seed varieties for specific and wide adaptions. Materials and methods : All Niger seed and Linseed released varieties of Ethiopia between the years 1984 and 2008 were tested for multi-locations and years. Independent experiments of linseed and Niger seed varieties were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Eight varieties of Linseed with one local variety were evaluated at Arjo, Gute and Shambu locations. In addition, five Niger seed varieties including one local variety were tested at Bako, Gute and Shambu locations. Summary of the result and application of the findings: The seed yields ranged between 0.898 tons ha-1 and 1.575 tons/ha for Linseed and between 0.600 tons ha-1 and 0.690 tons ha-1 for Niger seed. Analysis of variance using additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model revealed significant differences (pG0.01) for genotype, environment, genotype x environment interaction and interaction principal component (IPCA1) for Linseed, while only environment was found to be significantly different for Niger seed. Based on AMMI analysis, Kulumsa-1 was the best yielding, stable and widely adapted, while CI-1525 and Berene were high yielding but unstable and specifically adapted Linseed varieties to high yielding environments. Belay 96, Chilalo, Tole and CI-1652 were moderately stable and adapted to high yielding environments. Among Niger seed varieties, Shambu-1 and Esete-1 had comparable seed yield with moderately stable for the tested environments whereas Kuyu and local variety were unstable and not adopted to the testing environments. Key words/phrases: Adapted variety, Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Genotype x environment (G x E) interaction, Stable variety

Stability analysis in linseed (Linum usitatissimum) varieties

A study was conducted during winter season (rabi) 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 under different agro climatic conditions to test the stability of improved and high yielding varieties of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Analysis of variance on 13 characters was carried out individually as well as pooled over the years and locations. Kanpur location was relatively better for wider range and higher mean for all the characters except 1000-seed weight. Genotype × environment interaction was significant for plant height, number of tillers/plant, number of branches/plant, days to maturity, number of seeds/capsule, 1000-seed weight, harvest index, iodine value along with seed yield/plant. G × E (linear) was also significant for all these 7 traits and early growth vigour indicating substantial amount of predictable G × E interaction. All 10 genotypes tested for 3 stability parameters, viz. mean, bi and S2di. Out of all the genotypes, the genotypes Garima, Neelum, Gaurav, Laxmi 27 and T 397 were identified to be high yielding and stable. Genotypes, viz. Garima, Neelum, Gaurav, Laxmi 27 and T 397 may be included in any breeding programme to develop high yielding stable genotypes over the environments. Direct selection in the segregating generations of such parents for 1000-seed weight, number of tillers per plant along with simultaneous selection for number of branches per plant will be responsive for improvement of seed yield/plant.