Camelina: Adaptation and performance of genotypes

Abstract Camelina ( Camelina sativa L. Crantz) has shown potential as an alternative and biofuel crop in cereal-based cropping systems. Our study investigated the adaption, performance, and yield stability among camelina genotypes across diverse US Pacific Northwest (PNW) environments. Seven named camelina genotypes and 11 experimental numbered genotypes were evaluated for seed and oil yield in trials at 18 location/year environments that spanned four annual precipitation zones. Locations were rainfed with long-term mean annual precipitation ranging from 242 to 1085 mm. Thirteen trials were spring-planted and five were fall-planted. Oil content was determined on seed from seven trials, seed weight from five trials, plant height and grain density from four trials, and plant lodging from two trials. Yield stability index was determined and related to seed yield across trials and within each of four annual precipitation zones. Seed yields varied from a trial mean of 127 kg/ha at Lind WA during a year of extreme drought to 3302 kg/ha at Pullman WA with the grand mean 1213 kg/ha. Seed yields among genotypes were significantly different ( P 3 seed density. Named genotypes were more productive than numbered genotypes across environments and can be grown is diversified environments when selected based on anticipated precipitation, seed yield, oil content, and other agronomic characteristics.