Abstract

Flax, Linum usitatissimum (Linaceae—linen family), is an ancient crop that had been grown in Iowa for many years, but has been displaced by the emphasis on commodity corn and soybeans. Flax has many uses including industrial oils from oilseed flax, food-quality flaxseed oil, linen products, fiberboard, and paper products from its straw. Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowered risk of heart disease and lowered blood cholesterol levels. Flax has a 50-day vegetative period, a 25-day flowering period, and a 35-day period to maturity. Seeds are produced in bolls that contain 6–10 seeds. Seed color can be brown, golden, or yellow. The seed is covered with a mucilaginous coating. The flax crop responds to up to 50 lb/acre nitrogen, similar to organic small grains. Mycorrhizal association may increase the ability of flax to take up phosphorus from the soil, so growing flax after mycorrhizal wheat rather than after nonmycorrhizal canola may improve phosphorus uptake by flax. Early-seeded flax generally produces the highest yields, using the same planting dates as small grains. Frost seldom kills flax seedlings. Nonuniform maturity and ripening is a problem in lateseeded fields. Organic flaxseed oil can now be processed in Iowa to be sold around the world. With the introduction of this processing facility comes a need for increased organic flax production in Iowa.

Keywords: Horticulture, Agronomy

How to Cite:

Delate, K., McKern, A., Burcham, R. & Kennicker, J., (2005) “Evaluation of Flax Varieties for Certified Organic Production - Neely-Kinyon Trial, 2004”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2004(1).