Flaxseed Research in Canada

Flax, Linum usitatissimum (L.), is one of the six main crops in western Canada. Most of the crop is grown north of latitude 50° N, therefore, both the oil content and iodine number are relatively high. The main objectives of the Canadian flaxseed research program are to increase seed yield and to improve seed and oil quality. A wide range of genotypes have been analyzed and considerable variability has been found for such quality characteristics as fatty acid composition, oil and protein content and oil color. Diverse environmental conditions, diseases, cultural practices, harvest methods and storage conditions have also been shown to influence oil and seed quality.