Yield and seed composition of 10 spring camelina genotypes cultivated in the temperate climate of Central Europe

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an oilseed crop of the family Brassicaceae. In the past, camelina was used mainly in food production. However, the species also has numerous industrial applications. The aim of this study was to determine the agronomic performance (seed, straw and oil yield) and the qualitative parameters (oil and protein content, fatty acid composition) of 10 spring camelina genotypes. The experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2018 in north-eastern Poland. The phenological phases, seed and biomass yield, and the composition of spring camelina seeds, including oil and protein content and fatty acid composition, were determined. The cumulative growing degree days from sowing to maturity for all genotypes were determined at 1200 °C d. Seed yield ranged from 1.70 Mg ha−1 dry matter (d.m.) in genotype 787-15 to 2.21 Mg ha−1 d.m. in genotype 887. Seed oil content was determined at 39.3–42.2% d.m. Oil yield was high in genotype 787-15 (0.93 Mg ha−1) and low in genotype 887 (0.69 Mg ha−1). Three main genotype groups were identified during the study. The first group was characterized by a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and a low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These genotypes were abundant in linolenic acid. The second group was composed of genotypes with a high content of PUFAs and a low content of MUFAs and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These genotypes were characterized by high oil yields and a high content of linoleic acid. The third group was characterized by a high content of SFAs, a high content of PUFAs and a low content of MUFAs. The tested spring camelina genotypes had a high yield potential (in particular genotypes 787-15, 787-08 and 787-05) and were good candidates for commercial cultivation in the temperate climate of Central Europe. Genotype 887 cannot be recommended for cultivation due to its low seed yield, low oil content and low oil yield.