Seed Today - Q1 2008 - (Page 17)

tions in Australia that feature high yield performance and shatter resistance. Sustainable Oils has conducted experimental trials in several states—from North Dakota west to Washington state and into Colorado and Nebraska. In two years of testing, camelina has yielded from 1,000 pounds of oilseed per acre to 2,500 pounds per acre, depending on moisture and fertility. Sustainable Oils is evaluating lines for yield, improved oil percentage and drought tolerance, among other traits. It is a joint venture between Targeted Growth, Inc. (TGI), Seattle, WA, a renewable energy bioscience company; and Green Earth Fuels, LLC, Houston, TX, a vertically integrated biodiesel producer. TGI is using advanced molecular biology techniques to improve camelina varieties. Suited to Marginal Land With its drought and spring freezing tolerance, camelina is suited to the High Plains. It grows well on marginal land in most any soil type. Camelina is at a yield disadvantage compared to soybeans in the Midwest, but is a consistent yielder under fairly harsh conditions, says Johnson. Camelina also can be used in small grain rotations. “We like camelina in the rotation because there is no dormancy in the seed,” says Johnson, adding that when wheat has followed canola, camelina or mustard in a rotation, yields have increased by up to 10 percent. A typical production cycle in Montana is growing small grain for one or two years and then leaving the field fallow. There is anecdotal evidence that camelina could successfully replace the fallow period, says Panter. “But, we need to do more research on the economics involved.” “We haven’t found an insect yet that will eat camelina,” says Johnson. He adds that camelina can be adversely affected by sclerotinia white mold and downy mildew in more desert-like environments. No herbicides are currently labeled for use on camelina. The industry is pursuing registration of a post-emergence grass control product. In Montana, camelina should be planted by mid-March and is generally harvested in July. Camelina does not require specialized equipment. Seed can be broadcast or drilled and air seeders can provide more uniform stands. Farmers can use alfalfa sieves on their combines to harvest the crop. Both companies note that camelina presents new revenue opportunities for seed producers and marketers. Lynn Grooms is an independent agricultural writer living in Mt. Horeb, WI. For more information: Targeted Growth, Inc., Seattle, WA (206336-5570/www.targetedgrowth.com) Green Earth Fuels, LLC, Houston, TX (713-237-2800/ www.greenearthfuelsllc.com) Sustainable Oils, Inc., Bozeman, MT Great Plains-The Camelina Company, Bigfork, MT (406-587-1218/ www.susoils.com) Response No. 171 First Quarter 2008 17 http://www.targetedgrowth.com http://www.greenearthfuelsllc.com http://www.susoils.com http://www.biodiagnostics.net http://www.biodiagnostics.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q1 2008

Seed Today - Q1 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature: Agrecol® Corporation Reed Barker, Ph.D. Cal/West Seeds Inc. Annual GM Use Report Bt Resistance Reported Camelina Tony Harper Gayle Jacklin According to ASTA Krauter Structures AOSCA AOSA/SCST GM and Greenhouse Gas Seed Associations Ad Index

Seed Today - Q1 2008

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