The physical properties of fruits and the physiological quality of seeds of selected crambe genotypes
Abstract Crambe fruits are abundant in oil that contains more than 50% of erucic acid which has many applications in chemical, cosmetic and food processing industries. Selected physical properties of fruits and the physiological quality of seeds of ten crambe genotypes, including eight new breeding lines and two cultivars, were evaluated. The analyzed traits varied significantly subject to weather conditions during the growing cycle. The results were used to identify three lines (Elst2007 2; Elst2007 3 and PRI 9104 71) with large and heavy fruits. Crambe seeds were characterized by high viability, but dormant seeds were also detected, and their proportions were determined by weather conditions during the growing cycle. Breeding line Elst2007 16 was characterized by a high proportion of dormant seeds in all years of the study, and it was least influenced by environmental conditions. The germination capacity of the evaluated crambe genotypes was determined by the number of fresh non germinating seeds. Genotypes Elst2007 2; Elst2007 3 and PRI 9104 71 were characterized by large and heavy fruits as well as the highest seed vigor. Evaluations of the physical properties of crambe fruits and the physiological quality of crambe seeds contribute to the effectiveness of breeding programs by selecting genotypes with large and high quality seeds.