Linseed Flax variety evaluation
Dr. Helen Broker (flax breeder), U of Saskatchewan
Crop diversification Centre, Saskatoon
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 growing year 2021 was the fourth year of testing for these flax entries. The entries differed in their yield performance, days to maturity and plant height at harvest at Arborg site. A complete project report will be compiled by Dr. Helen Booker.
The cultivation of linseed is attractive to growers for seed /oil and straw / fiber. The factors such as environmental variables, phenological traits, plant size and density significantly affected the productivity of linseed. Rainfall is beneficial to seed yield both before and after flowering whereas higher post-flowering air temperature has a negative effect on seed yield. The current coop trial was conducted at diversification centre sites in Manitoba. Other trial sites are located in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec that cover various soil zones and will not be discussed in this report. For more information on this project, flax breeder Dr. Helen Booker can be contacted at 1 -306 – 966 – 5878.