EFFECTS OF UNUSUAL FIELD WEATHERING ON THE QUALITY OF FLAX SEED

Abstract

In 1971, the percentage of poorly matured flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) in southern Manitoba was unusually high. This seed was discolored and tended to clump due to portions of the capsule septa adhering to the seed coat. Samples of flax seed selected from the new crop survey conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission were divided into normal and poor or weathered seeds. The poor seeds had a lower seed weight, lower percent germination, and darker oil, but an iodine number higher than the normal seeds. There were no consistent differences in oil and protein content. It appears that seeds with this type of weathering are acceptable for crushing but unacceptable for seeding.