LINSEED TECHNICAL

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Introduction

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has been grown from ancient times for fibre (flax) and for its seed which is rich in oil. Linseed occupies a greater importance among oilseeds owing to its various uses and special qualities. In India, it is grown mainly for seed used for extracting oil. The oil content of the seed varies from 33 to 47 per cent. Linseed oil is an excellent drying oil and hence is used in manufacturing of paints and varnishes, oilcloth, waterproof fabrics and linoleum and as an edible oil in some areas. Linseed-cake is a very good manure and animal feed. Linseed straw produces fibre of good quality. Linseed is also used in making paper and plastics.

 
Varieties

In India, the linseed varieties are of two types:

  1. Peninsular types which have a deep root-system.
  2. Alluvial types which are shallow-rooted and are characterized by profuse tillering. Varieties differ in maturity, growth habit, and seed size and colour.
 
Varietal Improvement

Accroding to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, ICAR, Government of India, the following are the latest varieties of linseed that have been release in 1999-2000.

  1. Double-purpose LCK 9216 has been released for irrigated areas of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Kota area of Rajasthan. It recorded an average seed and fibre yields of 1,003 kg/ha and 719 kg/ha and matures in 135-140 days, and is resistant to rust, powdery mildew and moderately resistant to Alternaria blight and budfly and has oil content of 41%.
  2. Seed-purpose linseed variety LMH 62 has been released for rainfed areas of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Orissa and Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. It recorded an average grain yield of 943 kg/ha and matures in 122-125 days. It is resistant to rust, wilt and powdery mildew and has oil content of 43%.
  3. Jawahar Linseed 9 showing average seed yield of 900-1,000 kg/ha in rainfed areas and 1,050-1,250 kg/ha in irrigated areas, maturing in 115-125 days and with oil content of 44% has been released for Madhya Pradesh. It is resistant to rust, wilt and powdery mildew and is tolerant to Alternaria blight.
  4. A new double-purpose variety LMH 16-5 has been identified for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Kota Command area of Rajasthan. It recorded an average seed and fibre yields of 1,600 kg/ha and 1,026 kg/ha. It matures in 140-145 days and is resistant to rust and powdery mildew and moderately resistant to Alternaria blight, wilt and linseed budfly.
  5. FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha along with 100% recommended NPK gave highest seed at Faizabad and Raipur centers. EC 1424 and JRF 5 germplasm lines have been identified as resistant sources against budfly Dasyneura lini.
 
Weed Management

Owing to its less leaf area, linseed is a poor competitor with weeds. This crop is usually small statured and is often covered with weeds. It has been observed that weeds not only affect yield but oil content and the quality as well. It is advisable to do at least two weedings respectively, three and six weeks after sowing. Thinning should be done at the time of first weeding so that plant to plant distance in rows is maintained at 5 centimetre. Weeds can be controlled by the use of chemicals too. When crop is 8-15 centimetre tall, just before branching, post-emergence application of MCPB at the rate of 0.5 kg a.i per hectare will take care of all annual broad leaved weeds.

 
Pest Management

Linseed gall midge (Dasymeuralini Barnes) is the most wide spread and serious pest of linseed. The growing of early varieties and mixed cropping are reported to reduce the incidence of the pest. Linseed rust and wilt are the two most serious diseases. The growing of resistant varieties is recommended to control these diseases.

 
Important hints for getting maximum yields
  1. Clean, fine, weed-free seed-bed should be prepared by ploughing during the rainy season.
  2. 10% B.H.C. or 5% Aldrin or Chlordane at the rate of 25 to 30 kg/ha be mixed with the soil at the last ploughing before sowing.
  3. Early sowing escapes the attack of many diseases and pests. Under utera, sowing be done at the dough stage of paddy.
  4. The application of 30 N+15 P for the rainfed and 60 N+30 P for the irrigated crop and 10 N kg per ha for the utera sowing is recommended.
  5. Use the optimum seed-rate of 30 to 40 kg per ha and a closer row spacing between 20 and 30 cm and 40 kg seed per ha for utera sowing.
  6. Cultivate the recommended varieties.
  7. Carry out plant-protection measures, if needed.