Montana Camelina 2005 (Provided by Duane Johnson, MSU Northwestern Agricultual Research Center)

Introduction

Camelina is an ancient crop first known to be cultivated in Northern Europe during the Bronze Age. The seeds were collected, crushed and boiled in water and the oil that was derived was used as a lamp oil, a medicinal treatment and as an edible oil. Camelina, Camelina sativa L., is native to northern Europe from Finland to Romania and east to the Ural Mountains. Camelina fell into disfavor when more productive crops such as wheat and canola began to be produced. Farm subsidy programs supporting commodity crop severely reduced camelina production. It became a common weed in Europe known as false flax (contaminating flax fields) and as Gold-of-Pleasure. Camelina cultivation has been strengthened recently as demand for omega 3 oils has increased dramatically. Omega 3s are a highly unsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids are typically linked together, in either plants or animals, to form “triglycerides”- what we commonly call fats and oils. Both plants and animals manufacture triglycerides. Those at room temperature are solid are called fats, those that are liquid are oils.

Within the past year, the US Food and Drug Administration has allowed health claims to be made for omega 3 oils. Omega 3s are known to primarily reduce inflammation in humans. Inflammation has been associated with a multitude of human disorders from heart disease to strokes, diabetes, arthritis, and a multitude of others. Consequently, demand for omega 3 oil has dramatically increased. The most common source of omega 3 has been from cold water fish (salmon, trout, tuna, for example). This has, in turn, led to over fishing of wild marine fish. Domestic fish, fed primarily from non-omega 3-rich feeds, frequently lack measurable amounts of omega 3. Animals typically can take a fatty acid and do some conversion to a higher order omega 3. For example, beginning with an 18-carbon omega 3 called “alpha linolenic acid” ( ALA), humans can chemically convert the oil to a more useful EPA or better still, DHA. Humans, can typically convert about 2-3% of the ALA they eat into EPA and DHA. Plants rarely produce EPA or DHA. Phytoplankton in the oceans can make these products and as the omega 3s move through the food chain, they become more concentrated and cold water fish now rely on them for survival in cold climates.

Several oilseed crops produce omega 3 oils. However, crops like soybeans and sunflower are poor sources. Canola is far better at about 3%. The superior crops, however, are flax, hemp, perilla and camelina. The yield limits on flax make flax oil very expensive. Its omega 3s are also very chemically unstable and require special handing (refrigeration and black bottles). Otherwise the oil quickly oxidizes to linseed oil and eventually to a shellac. In addition, oil yields are low. Hemp oil, while legal in the United States, is very limited as it is entirely imported and production is generally government controlled. Hemp seed production is also very low and oil production is inefficient. Perilla is a new crop without a great deal of agronomic research. It is a crop more common to China than the US. Agronomically, the crop is generally not suitable to American agriculture. The oil is like flax and very unstable. Camelina has good agronomic characteristics. It is easily grown, is low in input requirements (water, nutrients, and pesticides) and return on investment by producers is good. Camelina is about 34-36% omega 3 oil. The seeds are small (345,000/lb) but very dense. The oils are high in omega 3 and also in gamma tocopherol (a superior vitamin E) which acts as an antioxidant. Therefore camelina oil is far more shelf stable than most omega 3 oils. The oils of these crops all lack the ability to manufacture omega 3-type EPA and DHA. However, camelina offers higher level intermediates which are more similar to EPA and DHA than other omega 3 vegetable oils. This is assumed to increase efficiency in conversion to EPA and DHA.

Production

Camelina is typically grown in marginal agricultural lands. Consequently, it has adapted to many traits like its wild relatives, members of the mustard family. In Europe, production recommendations are 6-8 lbs of seed per acre. However, research at Montana State University indicates seed rates of 2.5-3 lbs/a acre are adequate. The seed can either be broadcast or drilled. A common practice is to broadcast the seed on the surface (in no-till small grain residue), broadcast and pack typically ¼ inch deep on minimum tillage, or drill ¼ to ½ inch deep. Seeding is usually done in combination with fertilizer. Basic yields will require 35 lbs of N and 20 lbs of P. Yield response has been measured as high as 100 lbs N and 60 lbs P in 2005. Data for yield response are not yet available. Delays in planting after April 1 typically result in a yield loss equal to 100 lbs/acre per week in Montana. Dryland 2005 application in eastern Montana in April did not germinate until mid-May due to drought delays. Yields, however, are still expected to be good compared to other oilseeds and spring grains. Germination occurs rapidly after soil temperatures reach 38-40F.

Management is minimal if planted on reasonably clean ground. Following small spring grains is typically ideal. Camelina in 2005 was shown to suppress volunteer wheat and many broadleaf weeds when stands were adequate. To date, camelina has survived the following environments:

1. Hail- camelina has been hailed twice at Havre, MT with 60-70% losses on wheat and barley. No damage was noted on camelina in full pod stage. (2003, 2004)
2. Cold- camelina seedlings have shown no frost damage at temperatures as low as 12F ( Huntley, MT – east of Billings) in mid- April, 2005.
3. Insects- common flea beetle typically attacks young brassicas (canola, mustards). No damage was noted at Huntley, MT, in 2004 and 2005). No insect damage has been noted during the season.
4. Weed Control- camelina typically does not require herbicides if reasonable field sanitation is practiced. It has been noted by the University of Minnesota to have “allelotoxins” which inhibit weed growth. In Montana research, the only surviving weeds noted were wild mustards and late emerging sow-thistle. Most weeds appearre inhibited until leaf drop by the camelina. Currently, no herbicides are registered for use with camelina.
5. Fertility- Camelina responds to nitrogen and phosphorus. We have been using a baseline of 35 lbs/a N and 20 lbs/a P. We do see a response to both up to 100 lbs/a N and 60 lbs/a P but data cannot be released until we have a minimum of two years of data. We will initiate probable economic returns based on 2005 data.
6. Yield- Yields will vary depending upon soils, rainfall and general climatic conditions. Under 16-18 inch rainfalls, we expect 1,800-2,200 lbs/acre. Under 13-15 inch rainfalls we expect 900-1,500 lbs/a. We have not grown camelina under irrigation in Montana. Early trials by Duane Johnson in Colorado, under a full irrigation regime (1.2 inches per week) yielded 2, 400 lbs/acre. High moisture will induce lodging and could introduce white mold disease and currently is not budgeted in our costs.
7. Latitude- Camelina has been produced as far south as 32 degrees latitude at higher elevations. Camelina responds poorly to hot dry conditions.

Concerns for production are primarily at harvest. The seed are exceedingly small at 345,000-465,000 per pound. They are extremely dense and have a 50 lb bushel weight. Therefore combine settings are similar to alfalfa seed or canola settings. Concaves can generally be open if combined standing. In areas with strong wind potential, swathing is recommended when the pod color changes from green to about 65% yellow. Fully mature camelina pods will be brown to dark tan. Wind speed can be an issue and generally wind must be reduced and 10-15% pod hulls will be taken with the seed. Seed can be cleaned easily using a window screening or 3/64 X 3/8 slotted screen. Camelina seeds are rough surfaced and are not as prone to loss during transportation as canola or flax but precautions should be taken to seal leaks.

Production costs vary but based on average Montana costs, variable and fixed costs are approximately $45-$68/acre.

Camelina Document 1
Camelina Document 2