Is dual-purpose flax production feasible in the Amik Plain? A preliminary study on cultivar performance and harvesting stage

Abstract

The research aimed to investigate the yield and quality parameters of three flax varieties (Linum usitatissimum L.) at four different harvesting stages in Amik Plain in the 2021 growing seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangement with three replications. Seed yield and quality parameters were determined after the maturation of seeds at the final harvesting. Harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, capsule formation, green-yellow ripening, and full ripening stages) significantly affected plant height, technical stem length, stem ratio, moisture, and plant fresh weight. Among the cultivars, significant differences were observed in terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, stem ratio, 1000 seed weight and seed yield. Interaction effects were determined in terms of plant height and moisture ratio. While the cv. Noreum had greater fiber ratio (19.45%), stem ratio (50.97%) and seed yield (241.33 kg da-1), the cv. Karakız had the highest 1000 seed weight (7.99 g). The cv. Beyaz Gelin had the highest technical stem length (67.39 cm). In terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, and stem ratio parameters, the cv. Beyaz Gelin and the cv. Noreum were in the same statistical group. The fact that harvesting stages do not affect the fiber ratio has led to the conclusion that planting for both purposes may be appropriate in the region.