EVALUATION OF MATTHIOLA-INCANA AS A SOURCE OF OMEGA-3-LINOLENIC ACID

Seeds of Matthiola incana (Brassicaceae) are known to contain oil rich in linolenic acid (C18:3). This oil has a value as a dietary suppleme nt. Commercial lines of Matthiola incana developed for flower producti on which were kept in our genebank, were tested for their agronomic po tential. Five lines were selected for the experiments, all of them exc elling in a-linolenic acid content (50-60%). The plants were grown in the experimental stations al Bet Dagan, Jerusalem and Ramat haGolan, r epresenting three different climatic regions. Yield parameters, as wel l as data regarding oil quality and quantity, were recorded. It was fo und that under Bet Dagan conditions (Mediterranean climate) a seed yie ld of 750 kg/ha was obtained. With 20-25% oil in the seed, this yield is equivalent to 150 l/ha. A 50% content of 3-linolenic acid in the oi l will yield 75 l of pure linolenic acid. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B. V.