The Effect of Planting Dates and Distances on the Quality Characteristics and Biomass of Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz)

IntroductionFodder supply in Iran is considered as one of the most important limiting factors in the field of livestock breeding and production. Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) plant from the Brassicaceae family is able to grow in different weather and soil conditions and needs less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than other oilseeds. This medicinal-oil product is a rich source of oil (28 to 40 percent) and omega-3 fatty acids, which can also be consumed in human diets. On the other hand, about 90 percent of the fatty acids in camelina oil are unsaturated, and due to its high alpha-tocopherols and vitamin E content, it does not require any additives to increase the shelf life of the oil, which is why it can be considered a high-quality edible oil. This research was conducted to introduce camelina and to evaluate the effects of planting date and spacing on oil yield and the quality of camelina fodder in Mazandaran Province.Materials and MethodsThis experiment was carried out as factorial based on a randomized complete block design in three replications at Bayekola Agricultural Research Station (Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center). Five planting dates (November 5, November 21, December 5, December 21, and January 4) and five planting distances (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 cm) were selected as the study factors. Each treatment was planted in a plot consisting of six lines, and the distance between the plots was determined as one unplanted line. At the 50% flowering stage, biomass yield was determined by harvesting four square meters from the middle rows of each plot. Additionally, forage quality traits were assessed, including oil percentage, neutral detergent fiber percentage (NDF%), acid detergent fiber percentage (ADF%), crude protein percentage (CP%), nitrogen percentage (N%), and ash percentage.Results and DiscussionThe results of analysis variance of the studied traits showed that the interaction between planting distance and planting date had a significant effect on most of the traits of camelina. The results indicated that the planting date of December 5 produced the highest oil percentages at planting distances of 25 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm (6.1%, 6.0%, and 6.0%, respectively). Oil content increased from the November 5 planting date to the December 5 planting date, but declined with the January 4 planting date. The lowest values for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were observed in th