Phenotypic variation and stability of seed, oil and protein yields in camelina across diverse U.S. environments

Authors: Abdel-Haleem, Hussein; Phan, Huy; GEORGE, SHEEJA - University Of Florida; Gesch, Russell

Submitted to: Industrial Crops and Products
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/7/2026
Publication Date: 6/9/2026
Citation: Abdel-Haleem, H.A., Phan, H.M., George, S., Gesch, R.W. 2026. Phenotypic variation and stability of seed, oil and protein yields in camelina across diverse U.S. environments. Industrial Crops and Products. 249. Article 123672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2026.123672.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2026.123672

Interpretive Summary: As camelina production expands for sustainable aviation fuel feedstock and industrial uses, identifying and breeding for high-performing, stable genotypes will be essential for achieving reliable success across diverse environments, including water limited systems. Using all stability parameters, CO46, a camelina genotype, clearly emerged as the most broadly adapted genotype, combining high yield with consistently low instability across all environments, showing potential as stable genotype across diverse camelina-growing regions and as promising candidates for further genetic advancement toward wide adaptation. These findings underscore the importance of multi-metric stability evaluation in camelina improvement programs and highlight the potential of several genotypes for breeding and commercial release.

Technical Abstract: Camelina sativa L. Crantz is an emerging oilseed crop valued for its ability to produce high-quality oils and adaptability to a wide range of climates, making it an excellent crop to diversify agricultural systems. To meet the demands of both producers and end-users, continued genetic improvement of camelina germplasm is essential. In this study, we evaluated phenotypic variation among 15 camelina genotypes grown across three distinct geographical regions in the U.S. to assess the variations in seed oil and protein yields and stability. Results revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions on yield, and other key agronomic and biochemical traits. The strong influence of G×E interactions underscore the importance of multi-environment testing to identify genotypes with desirable traits for specific growing conditions. Path coefficient analysis indicated that plant height and flowering date are critical determinants of yield. Furthermore, the integration of yield performance with stability parameters allowed the identification of genotypes exhibiting both high yield potential and broad environmental adaptability. Using multi-metric stability parameters, CO46 emerged as a broadly adapted genotype with consistently high yield stability across all environments. Cs058, Cs050, and Cs089 also ranked as favorably stable genotypes across diverse camelina-growing regions and show promise for further agronomic advancement. In contrast, despite high yields of Pronghorn and Cs051, they exhibited instability across environments and therefore may be better suited for environment-specific conditions. Current findings provide a foundation for future breeding efforts to improve camelina’s adaptability across variable environmental conditions.