A Perennial Flax (Linum spp.) Breeding Program Using Ideotype Models to Select for Oilseed, Garden, and Cut Flower Cultivars

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, and garden breeding objectives, and are being used to drive selection within the Forever Green perennial flax breeding program. Breeding germplasm was grown alongside wild accessions in a common garden in Minnesota (2018-2019) to quantify the effects of past selection and identify top species candidates for continued domestication efforts (Chapter 2). Vase life studies were also performed to investigate postharvest vase life and cut flower potential of perennial flax (Chapter 3). Finally, controlled freezing studies provide an in-depth characterization of perennial flax freezing tolerance, which is a priority breeding goal for all ideotypes (Chapter 4). These findings will advance the development of perennial flax as a new specialty crop in Minnesota by guiding future breeding and selection decisions.