Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]
Volume 22(3): 3493 - 3509. Published August, 2014.
The growth and seed yield of five linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties as influenced by nitrogen application
Lilian W. Kariuki1, Peter W. Masinde4, Arnold N. Onyango2, Stephen M. Githiri 1, Kenneth Ogila3
1Department of Horticulture,2Department of Food Science and Technology,
3Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology. P.O Box 62000-00200 Nairobi-Kenya
4Meru University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 972-60200 Meru-Kenya.
For correspondence: Email: liliankariuki96@gmail.com
Key words: Linseed, alpha linolenic acid, nitrogen fertilization, essential fatty acids
1 SUMMARY
Objective: The linseed plant produces linseed, an excellent source of
health-promoting omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid. Currently,
there is negligible production of this crop in Kenya. This study aimed
to determine the growth and yield potential of five linseed varieties
at different nitrogen fertilizer levels in Juja, Central Kenya.
Methodology and results: Five linseed varieties namely Summit, S19/21,
Raja, Jawhar and S19/12 were evaluated at 0, 75 and 150KgN/ha
fertilizer levels in Juja area, Kenya. Effect of the fertilizer on
number of leaves, height, tillering, dry weight, number of heads and
seed yield were evaluated in two planting seasons. Numbers of leaves,
height, tillering and dry weight were not significantly affected by
nitrogen application (P>0.05). Raja yielded higher head and seed
yield than the other varieties in both seasons (P<0.05). The highest
head yield was obtained at 75KgN/ha during the February-June season
while it was 150KgN/ha during the July-December season.
Conclusion: Nitrogen fertilization up to 150KgN/ha does not result in
significant differences in growth of Summit, S19/21, Raja, Jawhar and
S19/12 and can so be considered a moderate consumer of nitrogen. Raja
yields more highly compared to the other four varieties. Hence, it can
be recommended for adoption in the study area as well as for future
research and breeding programs.
FULL PAPER [PDF AVAILABLE HERE ]
