Current state and perspectives of false flax (Camelina sativa) cultivation in Ukraine

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this research was to determine the current state of genetic resources of camelina (Camelina sativa) available in Ukraine, and to assess the prospects of its breeding and cultivation. Methods. A comprehensive review of available research was conducted, as well as resources containing data on cultivation scale of camelina and the availability of its genetic resources were assessed. Results. It was found that majority of the existing varieties of spring camelina appear to be close genetically related, while currently there are no winter camelina varieties in Ukraine. It has been established that insignificant scale of camelina cultivation in Ukraine may be associated with low productivity of existing genotypes. Prospects of double-cropping of camelina with other agricultural plants are considered, and also the main approaches for further camelina breeding are drawn. Conclusions. Breeding of camelina winter forms possess a great interest, as they have higher productivity and are better suited for rotations with other crops, common in Ukraine, including oilseeds such as sunflower. It was found that further camelina breeding will require the involvement of new genetic resources to overcome the limited genetic diversity among existing varieties.