Perennial Flax Data Files

Abstract

Wild, perennial flax species (Linum spp.) are being domesticated for high-value agronomic and ornamental uses, with added ecosystem services benefits. Perennial flax ideotypes have recently been defined for oilseed, cut flower, fiber, pollinator, and garden (herbaceous perennial) breeding objectives, and are being used to drive selection within the Forever Green perennial flax breeding program. Oilseed: Breeding for non-shattering types, high oil and protein content, high alpha-linoleic acid content, large seed size, high yielding, 2x harvest/season; Fiber / Cut Flower: Coordinated breeding with cut flower objectives, to produce tall, long-stemmed genotypes with flowers at the top of the stems; for fiber: long strands suitable for weaving, textiles, or other products; for cut flowers: long postharvest vase life. Challenges include establishment, mechanical harvesting and weed control. Pollinator / Ecosystem Services: Perennial flax is a semi-evergreen, flowering plant commonly seen with numerous blue saucer-shaped flowers. With an early and long flowering period – from May to November – a field of these plants can provide local pollinator populations with food resources throughout the year. A research team is studying the pollinator benefits of perennial flax in Minnesota and elsewhere around the globe. Traits of interest include: pollinator type, diurnal and season visitation, pollen and nectar rewards, nectar sugar content (type and quantity). Other ecosystem services afforded by perennial flax include: drought and heat tolerance, perenniality (as far north as USDA Z3). Herbaceous perennial: colorful, continuous flowering herbaceous perennial hardy to USDA Z3, with edible flax seeds, blue flowers, and a spherical (mound) plant growth habit. Data sets herein support publications from project breeding and selection activities will advance the development of perennial flax as a new specialty crop in Minnesota by guiding future breeding and selection decisions.