2022 Camelina Variety Trial

There were 14 Camelina varieties that were sown as a new trial at the North Peace Applied Research Farm. Since it is a relatively new crop alternative there is few choices for weed management. In the beginning of the trial weed grasses were promptly reduced with applications of Assure II (Quizalofop-p-ethyl) on June 2 and 15. There is still no registrations for broadleaf weed herbivoryicides, thus it was found that weed pressure in the camelina trial was very high which impacted camelina stand number and yield. Emergent values (P=0.0002) percentage of biomass ground cover (P<0.0001) and visual ratings assessing vigour (P=0.0200) differed across camelina varieties. Variety DH33 had the greatest number of individual stands and the greatest percentage cover compared to DHBC4-1/2 which produced the least amount of stands and similarly occupied less ground cover. Moreover, varieties such as WTCA, DH12, DHBC1 and WT43 stand counts as great as those found in DH33. Percentage cover statistically like DH33 was also found in DHB4-3/4, DHBC8, DHBC1, WT43, WT46-2, and WTCA varieties. None of these parameters translated into yield and instead there was no difference in overall pounds per acre (P=0.7256) and test weight (P=0.4370). In contrast camelina stands exhibiting more vigour were those from DHBC4-1/2 compared to WT46-2 and DH33 which were seen as weaker. Varieties like DH26, DH14, DH12 WTSU WTOM-1 looked as vigorous as DHBC4-1/2.This trial showed that more varieties need to be sown to see their development and consequent yielding to be considered a crop alternative in the Northern Peace region. This crop is in dire need to have approved registrations for broadleaf herbivoryicides, thus once this occurs it is possible camelina could be adopted by growers in the region.