SEED AND OIL CHARACTERISTICS OF ONOSMODIUM OCCIDENTALE

Abstract

Two collections of the native perennial Western false gromwell, Onosmodium occidentale Mack., were made in southern Manitoba and grown at Brandon for 3 yr. Considerable variability for seed yield on a single-plant basis, seed weight, seed drop, oil content and fatty acid composition of the oil were identified. There is a potential for selection among native plants and an even greater potential for improvement through a breeding program. Two-thirds of the seed weight was pericarp; however, it contributed only 4% of the total oil. When the pericarp was removed, the combined endosperm and testa contained 55% oil. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was very high and the presence of 6, 9, 12-linolenic, the normal 9, 12, 15-linolenic and 6, 9, 12, 15-tetraenoic acids contributed to an iodine number in excess of 200; hence, the oil would be good for industrial uses. Agronomic studies are required in order to develop this plant as a commercial oilseed crop for western Canada.