Camelina Sativa Genotypes Response to Downy Mildew and Weed Suppression in Organic Agriculture

Abstract

Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz), has gained considerable attention in Europe as a potential oil seed feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts, although as cultivated surfaces it remains a marginal crop. As well in Romania progress has been made towards camelina’s yield potential but this under organic agriculture conditions has not been studied enough. Given this increased interest in camelina, six genotypes were compared to characterize camelina’s production potential in organic farming. Field experiments were conducted out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, six genotypes in three growing seasons (2016-2019). Plant population, frequency (F%) of downy mildew attack, weeds infestation and yield were evaluated. The higher amount of spring rainfall (in 2017 and 2019) and cooler temperatures favoured a significant downy mildew plant infection, with some variations among genotypes. GP 202 proved to be most sensitive to downy mildew attack followed by Lena. The most resistant genotype was Calena, which recorded, for the three different years, the lowest degree of attack. In weeds suppression the variation due to year was higher than that due to the genotype and interactions of the factors. Results identify, in relation to climatic conditions, the most suitable genotypes for the tested environment, in terms of resistance to downy mildew and weed infestation. Calena, Camelia and Lindo genotypes were more less affected by downy mildew, weed infestation was less and the yield was higher as compared to the other genotypes studied.