Camelina uses, genetics, genomics, production and management

Authors: BERTI, MARISOL - North Dakota State University; Gesch, Russell - Russ; EYNCK, CHRISTINA - Linnaeus Plant Sciences Inc; Anderson, James; Cermak, Steven - Steve

Submitted to: Industrial Crops and Products
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/14/2016
Publication Date: 12/30/2016
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5572600
Citation: Berti, M., Gesch, R., Eynck, C., Anderson, J., Cermak, S. 2016. Camelina uses, genetics, genomics, production and management. Industrial Crops and Products. 94:690-710.

Interpretive Summary: Interest in the annual oilseed crop camelina has resurfaced due to its unique oil composition and properties that are valued for production of biofuels, jet fuel, biobased-products, feed, and food. This renewed interest is evidenced by the exponential increase in peer-reviewed publications containing the word ‘camelina’ between 2013 and 2016. The most common themes reported in these publications include new uses for camelina oil and meal, altered camelina oil composition through genetic transformation, and camelina physiology and agronomic management. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information in order to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research. Thus, this review includes the most recent publications describing camelina origin, uses, genetics, genomics, breeding, molecular genetics, physiology, agronomic management, and ecosystem services. The review also includes a summary of the numerous uses for camelina oil and meal, new research on agronomic adaptation and physiology, and areas that require further research to enhance agronomically important traits.

Technical Abstract: Camelina [Camelina sativa L. Crantz] is an annual oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family that has been cultivated since 4000 BC. Recently, interest in its oil and meal and the products developed from it have increased research in this crop. This renewed interest is evidenced by the tremendous increase in peer-reviewed publications containing the word ‘camelina.’ Databases report 335 publications between 2013 and 2016, with 149 of those published since 2015. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information in order to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research. This review includes the most recent publications in camelina description and origin, uses, genetics, genomics, breeding, molecular genetics, physiology, agronomic management, and ecosystem services. Although the breadth of research in camelina over the last few years is impressive, several areas that would benefit from further research were identified. The development of new uses and the refinement of existing uses from camelina oil and meal will continue to add value to this crop. Advances in genetics, breeding and genomics of camelina will speed up the development of high yielding cultivars, with improved quality, disease and insect resistance. Understanding and improving freezing tolerance in camelina will advance the use of winter camelina as a cover crop or cash cover crop in double and relay cropping systems. Better management practices and weed control alternatives will be needed to increase camelina production worldwide. Lastly, commercial development of camelina will add one more crop to the already low agricultural diversity in many parts of the world.