Agronomic performance of Camelina sativa under waterlogging conditions

Abstract

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz produces high-value oil when grown on marginal soils. However, its growth characteristics under waterlogged conditions are still unknown. This study evaluates the agronomic performance and genetic variability of 13 camelina genotypes subjected to waterlogging during the pre-flowering stage. The experiment simulated outdoor waterlogging conditions, contrasting two treatments: waterlogging conditions for 16 days, which began when the plants reached the inflorescence emergence stage on the main stem, and a well-drained treatment in two sowing dates (early and late). In the late sowing date, the interaction between waterlogging and higher temperatures determined that no genotype under waterlogging produced grain. A significant decrease in grain yield was observed across all genotypes due to waterlogging at the early sowing date, with a reduction of 87%. This decline was attributed to a reduction in silicle number and aboveground biomass. The study identified genetic variability, indicating the potential for breeding waterlogging-tolerant varieties. However, no intermediate measures (canopy leaf greenness and leaf temperature) were found to be associated with waterlogging behavior. The study underscores the importance of early sowing in mitigating the compounding effects of high temperatures and waterlogging. Future research should prioritize understanding the physiological factors, improve the ability to select tolerant genotypes, and evaluate strategies for crop integration within production systems.