Optimization of agricultural practices for crambe in Europe

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst R.E. Fries) has recently attracted a renewed interest by the bio-based industry due to its high seed oil content (up to 57%), particularly erucic acid (up to 65% of total fatty acids), short growing cycle, and high drought tolerance. A field trial was conducted during four consecutive growing seasons (2016-19) in Greece, Poland, and Italy. The commercial crambe variety (Galactica) was sown in early, intermediate, and late sowing dates in spring at two seeding rates (LD: 100 seeds m(-2), and HD: 200 seeds m(-2)) in a factorial design at each test location. Mean crambe seed yields exceeded 1.5 Mg DM ha(-1) across all years and locations. Italy and Greece were the most productive sites, with average seed yields of 2.11 Mg DM ha(-1) and 1.97 Mg DM ha(-1), respectively. Oil yield, which was only determined in Italy and Poland, was about 30% greater in the southern environment (Italy). Nevertheless, 1000-seed weight was greater in Poland (6.49 g) than Italy (6.12 g), revealing that lower temperatures during seed filling resulted in heavier seeds. In conclusion, sowing date played a key role in crambe productivity, with the earliest sowing resulting in highest yields across all locations.

Automated summary

Crambe, with its high seed oil content and drought tolerance, has attracted attention from the bio-based industry. Field trials in Greece, Poland, and Italy showed that the highest seed yields were in Italy and Greece, while Poland had heavier seeds due to lower temperatures during seed filling.