Evaluation of Diversity in Seed Production of the USDA Limnanthes alba Germplasm Collection.
(6392)
Authors:
M.M. Jenderek* - USDA, ARS, Parlier, CA
Abstract:
Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seeds are a source of long chain fatty acids which are stable under metabolic or environmental conditions. This fatty acid composition makes the oil valuable for use in cosmetics, lubricants and inks. However a few meadowfoam cultivars have been developed, germplasm with high seed yielding ability is in demand. In this study, seed producing potential of L. alba germplasm collection maintained by the USDA was evaluated. In February 2004, transplants of 24 different meadowfoam accessions were planted in field in a randomized
complete block design (4 replications) with 50 plants per replication. The mass of seeds harvested varied from 18.0 (PI 374802) to 177.9 g/plot (PI 608039), and the average number of nutlets developed in a single floret was from 2.3 (PI 374804) to 3.7 (PI 374794). The span between seed maturity on first and last plants varied from 11 to 42 days within individual populations. The number of days from planting to the first harvest was 78 (PI 374792 and PI 374797) to 90 days (ca. 40% of
accessions evaluated), and the time to the last harvest ranged from 97 to 125 days (PI 608039 and PI 374802 respectively). The variation in seed producing ability and the phenology of seed maturity suggest that the USDA germplasm collection of L.
alba is a diverse and good source for selection and development of high seed yielding meadowfoam cultivars.
Speaker Information: Maria M. Jenderek, USDA, ARS, Parlier, CA, Maria M.
Jenderek, Parlier, CA 93648; Phone: 559-596-2980; E-mail:
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Presentation Start: 4:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1296)
Keywords: Limnanthes; seed production potential; germplasm; oil seed
