Evaluating Flax Performance in the Maritimes

Researchers: Dr. Andy Hammermeister, Shannon Urbaniak

Introduction
Canada is the world leader in flax production with over 750,000 tonnes produced in the prairie region (approximately 40% of global production). The agronomy of flax production is quite well understood as a result of extensive flax research and development conducted in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Despite the limited presence of flax in the Maritime Provinces, research has shown that the crop can be grown here with comparable results to that in Western Canada.

Recent research has demonstrated that addition of flax to livestock diets improves health and meat quality. Flax is a product used in animal feeds from dogs, to poultry to cattle. At the same time, flax is a highly sought after cash crop in the health food markets. Health benefits include high Omega 3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid), dietary fibre, lignin, low carbohydrate content and gluten free.

Including flax in a crop rotation offers a unique species to the rotation; beneficial from a pest/disease perspective. Processors, retailers and farmers have noted a growing interest in flax. With its low nitrogen requirements, flax is particularly well suited for organic production. In an organic flax system, weed control is one of the main concerns as it affects quality of production. Understanding variables that affect weed density in maritime organic flax production is therefore of high importance. Early seeding is generally known to contribute to a more successful flax crop, however in organic systems later seeding may outweigh these benefits as there is a greater opportunity to control the weed population. For this reason this experiment will demonstrate two seeding dates and the resulting effect on weed population and flax stand.

Methods
To investigate the potential for organic flax production in Nova Scotia two varieties of flax, CDC Mons and Hanley, were selected to be compared. Both varieties were sourced from Manitoba and were chosen for their above average lodging resistance, high oil quality and disease resistance. Yield and weed competition in two varieties was measured in response to planting date and intercropping with wheat (AC Helena).

Treatments
(Eight treatments in total):

• Early seeded Hanley
• Early seeded CDC Mons
• Early seeded Hanley & Wheat mix
• Early seeded CDC Mons & Wheat mix
• Late seeded Hanley
• Late seeded CDC Mons
• Late seeded Hanley & Wheat mix
• Late seeded CDC Mons & Wheat mix
  

The early seeding date was May. 13th; this included a disking operation on May 7th and an s-tining on May 12th. The late seeding date was June 1st ; in addition to the disking on May.7th and s-tining on May.12th this treatment was also disked and s-tined on the day of seeding.

Results
Initial data indicated a higher flax and wheat density at the later planting date. The Hanley variety had a higher density than CDC Mons, and was maturing at a slightly faster rate. The annual weed population was higher at the early seeding date.

Flax yield of the individual plots without wheat intercrop ranged from 0.44 t/ha to 1.75 t/ha depending on treatment. Very low yields were observed in plots with high couch grass competition. Overall, the wheat intercrop reduced flax yields by approximately 40%, however total yield of flax and wheat was comparable to total flax yield in plots not intercropped. Late seeding of flax produced comparable yields to early seeded flax which is possibly due to benefits of additional weed control. There were negligible differences in yield between the flax varieties overall. Flax quality has not yet been determined.


en français