Linseed Coop Evaluation in Interlake
Dr. Helen Booker (flax breeder), CDC Saskatoon
The purpose of the project is to compare yield and other growth parameters of newly registered flax cultivars (SVPG entries) and experimental lines (FP entries) from University of Saskatchewan, Crop Development Centre Flax Breeding Program with check flax varieties.
The year 2020 was the third year of testing for the flax entries. The entries differed in their yield performance and days to maturity at Arborg site. A complete project report will be compiled by Dr Helen Booker.
The cultivation of linseed is particularly attractive to growers both for seed/oil and straw/fibre. The factors such as environmental variables, phenological traits, plant size and density significantly effect the productivity of linseeds (Fila et al 2018). Rainfall is beneficial to seed yield, both before and after flowering, whereas higher post-flowering air temperature has a negative effect.
The current coop trial was conducted at Melita, Roblin, Arborg and Carberry sites in Manitoba. There were also other sites across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec in various soil zones but they will not be discussed in this report. For more information, flax breeder Dr Helen Booker can be contacted at 1-306-966-5878.