Diseases of Camelina sativa (false flax)

There is renewed interest in the crucifer Camelina sativa (false flax, camelina, gold of pleasure) as an alternative oilseed crop because of its potential value for food, feed, and industrial applications. This species is adapted to canola-growing areas in many regions of the world and is generally considered to be resistant to many diseases. A review of the literature indicates that C. sativa is highly resistant to alternaria black spot and blackleg of crucifers. Genotypes resistant to sclerotinia stem rot, brown girdling root rot, and downy mildew can be found among C. sativa accessions, raising the possibility of developing cultivars resistant to these diseases. However, C. sativa is susceptible to clubroot, white rust, and aster yellows disease. Until resistant cultivars or effective management practices have been developed, the susceptibility of C. sativa to these diseases will limit the cultivation of the crop in areas where these diseases are prevalent.