LINSEED / FLAX (Linum usitatissimum)

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Angiosperms
Clade Eudicots
Clade Rosids
Order Malpighiales
Family Linaceae
Genus Linum
Species L. usitatissimum
 INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
 Important oilseed and fibre crop.
 Flax is one of the oldest fibre crops in the world and was known to have been
cultivated in ancient Egypt and China.
 In India it is mainly grown as an oil seed crop and the oil is used for culinary
purpose.
 In western countries it is mainly grown for fibre purpose. The fibre obtained
from this crop is used for making linen.
 Linseed / Flax is one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty
acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (or ALA).
 These are the richest source of lignans in the human diets; flaxseeds contain
about seven times as many lignans as the closest runner-up, sesame seeds.
 INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
 Flax is low in carbohydrates but extremely high in both soluble and insoluble fibre
(helps in colon detoxification) 
 Other health benefits of this crop includes
 Improving digestion
 Giving clearer skin
 Lowering cholesterol
 Reducing sugar cravings
 Balancing hormones
 Helping fight certain types of cancer
 Seeds contain 33 – 47 % oil, depending on varieties and this oil is edible.
 The linseed / flax oil has a quick drying capacity and hence has many industrial
uses.
 Used for the preparation of paints, varnishes, printing ink, oil cloth, soap, patent
leather and waterproof fabrics
 INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
 The oilcake, obtained after the removal of oil, is fed to cattle and is one of
the most favorite cattle feed.

 The oilcake is good in taste and contains 36% protein of which 85% is
digestible.

 This oilcake is fed to both milch and fattening animals.

 The oilcake is also used as organic manure. It contains about 5%

Nitrogen, 1.4% Phosphorus and 1.8% Potassium.

 Straw from seed varieties is used for the manufacture of upholstery rope,
insulating material, rugs, twine and paper.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LINSEED AND FLAX
Both Linseed and Flax, for whatever purpose it is grown, is the species Linum usitatissimum

• Linseed is the term given to the strains of Linum usitatissimum which tend to have shorter
stems, more and fatter seeds. The plant has been grown mainly for its oil which has used
for a variety of purposes including paint, varnish and oilcloth. The crop is left in the fields
to ripen fully before harvesting.

• Flax is the term given to the strains of Linum usitatissimum which are grown for fibre
purpose. The term Flax is also used to refer to the fibre obtained from the stems of Linum
usitatissimum which is further used for making ropes and linen fabric. Flax varieties have
longer stems, produce fewer seeds and the crop is harvested before it is fully ripe.
 ORIGIN
According to Vavilov, linseed / flax has two centres of origin
 The small seeded type, which are grown mainly for oil purpose,
originated in South - Western Asia comprising India, Afghanistan
and Turkey.

 The bold seeded type, which are grown mainly for fibre purpose,
originated in Mediterranean region including Asia Minor, Egypt,
Algeria, Spain, Italy and Greece.

Most of the investigators have opinion that the wild flax Linum
angustifolium, which is a native of Mediterranean region, may be the
ancestor of cultivated species L. usitatissimum.
 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
• Flax grows well in temperate and sub-tropical regions in both hemispheres.

• As per the FAO data (2016) Linseed / Flax is is cultivated on an area of 2.76 million hectare with
the total production of 2.93 million tonnes with an average productivity of about 10.58 q / ha.

• Major countries where this crop is cultivated includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, China, India
and USA.

• Russia ranks No. 1 both in area under this crop (7.1 lakh hectare) as well as production (6.73
lakh tonnes) with the average productivity of 9.47 q / ha.

• Highest productivity of this crop was recorded in Kyrgyzstan (22.58 q / ha)

• India ranks fifth in total area under this crop (2.93 lakh hectare) and sixth in total production (1.25
lakh tonnes) with an average productivity of 4,27 q / ha (Rank 47).
DISTRIBUTION OF FLAX / LINSEED
 LINSEED IN INDIA AND HIMACHAL
PRADESH
• However as per the data of SOPA, this crop is cultivated on an area of 2.63 lakh hectare
with the total production of 1.25 lakh tonnes with the average productivity of 4.77 q / ha
(2015 – 16).
• Linseed / Flax is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar.
• Maximum area and production of this crop is recorded from Madhya Pradesh (1.16 lakh
hectare and 0.55 lakh tonnes) followed by Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in that order.
• Maximum productivity of this crop is recorded from Rajasthan (1013 kg / ha), Bihar (8.59
q / ha) followed by Assam (6.33 q / ha) and Jharkhand (5.34 q / ha).
• This crop is cultivated on a very limited scale in HP covering an area of 890 ha (2015 –
16) with the production of 290 metric tonnes and average productivity of about 3.58 q /
ha.
• Linseed is cultivated mainly in Kangra and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh.
 NUTRITIVE VALUE (per 100 g)
Carbohydrates 28.88 g
Sugars 1.55 g
Dietary fibre 27.3 g
Fat 42.16 g (37 – 45 %)
Saturated 3.663 g
Monounsaturated 7.527 g
Polyunsaturated 28.73 g
omega‑3 22.8 g
omega‑6 5.9 g
Protein 18.29 g
 NUTRITIVE VALUE (per 100 g)
Vitamins  
Thiamine (B1) 1.644 mg
Riboflavin (B2) 0.161 mg
Niacin (B3) 3.08 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.985 mg
Vitamin B6 0.473 mg
Vitamin C 0.6 mg
Minerals  
Calcium 255 mg
Iron 5.73 mg
Magnesium 392 mg
Phosphorus 642 mg
Potassium 813 mg
Zinc 4.34 mg
 CLIMATIC REQUIREMENT
• Linseed is a cool season crop and requires moderate to cool temperature during active vegetative stage.
• Cultivation of this crop is confined to sea level or lower elevations (600 m amsl) and plains. However as a
seed crop it can be cultivated at higher altitudes also.
• This crop requires temperature in the range of 10 0C (minimum range) and 38 0C (maximum range) with the
moderate range of 21-26.5OC
• The seed crop needs about 25 - 30 0C during germination and vegetative phase and 15 – 20 0C during
seed formation.
• However the fibre crop requires lower temperature and high humidity.
• High temperature above 32 OC during flowering stage reduces the yield and also oil content in seed.
• Similarly drought conditions, particularly at flowering stage also reduces the yield and also oil content in
seed
• Frost is harmful to the crop.
• Crop is fairly resistant to drought and grows well in areas with the average rainfall between 45 - 75 cm (50 -
80 cm).
• It is a long day in photo periodic response.
 SOILS
 It can be grown in almost all types of soils but prefers well drained,
moderately deep silty loam, clay loam and silty clays.

 Light soils are not suitable, especially in regions of low rainfall.

 This crop performs better in heavier soils having more water retention
capacity.

 It can tolerate moderate acidity but is more sensitive to salinity.

 Can be grown in wide pH range but the Ideal soil pH for this crop is 6.0
 VARIETIES RECOMMENDED
STATE VARIETIES RECOMMENDED
Madhya Pradesh Indira Alsi - 32, Kartika, Suyog, Azad Alsi – 1, JLS 9,
Padmini, Parvati, Jawahar 1, Jawahar 7, Jawahar 17
Chattisgarh RLC 92, Deepika, Kartika, Indira Alsi - 32, Sharda, J
552, Padmini
Uttar Pradesh Sharda, Azad Alsi-1, Ruchi, Shekhar, Padmini, Parvati,
Garima, Shikha
Bihar Shival, Ruchi, Azad Alsi-1, Shekhar, Parvati, Shikha
Jharkhand Shival, Ruchi, Azad Alsi-1, Shekhar, T-397, Padmini,
Sweta, Shubhra
Rajasthan Meera, Kiran, Jeevan, Gaurav
LINSEED VARIETIES RECOMMENDED FOR HIMACHAL PRADESH

VARIETIES FOR OIL PURPOSE

VARIETY MATURITY YIELD OIL Characters
(q / ha) CONTENT
Himalini 165 - 170 10 – 12 40.0 White flowers, brown seeds, medium height,
resistant to rust and wilt diseases
Surbhi 165 - 170 9 - 10 44.0 White flowers, yellow seeds, medium height,
(KL – 1) resistant to rust, wilt and powdery mildew
diseases
Binwa 170 -175 8-9 41.3 Dark blue / purple flowers, yellow seeds,
(KL – 210) medium height, resistant to rust and wilt
diseases
Him Alsi 1 180 - 185 10 – 11 41.7 Large white flowers, shining brown seeds,
(KL – 187) 6 – 7 (Utera) resistant to wilt, blight and Alternaria blight
Baner 185 - 190 4 – 5 (Utera) 39.7 Purple – blue flowers, brown seeds,
(KL - 224) recommended for Utera cultivation, resistant to
blight, wilt and powdery mildew diseases
LINSEED VARIETIES RECOMMENDED FOR HIMACHALPRADESH

VARIETIES FOR OIL PURPOSE

VARIETY MATURITY YIELD OIL Characters / Features
(q / ha) CONTENT
Himani 175 - 180 4–5 36.4 Blue flowers, brown seeds, resistant to rust
(KL – 214) (Utera) and powdery mildew diseases
Bhagsu 180 - 185 4–5 37.0 Blue flowers, brown seeds, resistant to rust
(KL – 215) (Utera) and powdery mildew diseases
Janaki 165 -175 6–7 42.0 Blue flowers, brown seeds, medium height,
(KL – 43) (Utera) resistant to rust, wilt and powdery mildew
diseases
Him Palam Alsi 6.4 (Utera) Highly resistant to rust and powdery mildew
-1 (KL – 241) diseases
Him Palam Alsi 14.6 Released by CVRC for HP, J&K, Punjab and
-2 (KL – 263) Uttarakhand
LINSEED VARIETIES RECOMMENDED FOR HIMACHALPRADESH

DUAL PURPOSE VARIETIES (BOTH FOR OIL AND FIBRE)

VARIETY MATURITY YIELD OIL Characters
(q / ha) CONTENT

Jeewan 175 – 180 10 (seed) 45.8 Blue flowers, brown seeds, resistant to rust,

(DPL – 21) 9 (Fibre) wilt and powdery mildew diseases

Nagarkot 165 - 170 14 – 15 (seed) 44.0 Blue flowers, brown seeds, resistant to rust,

(KL – 31) 10 – 12 (fibre) wilt and powdery mildew diseases

Him Alsi – 2 185 - 190 10 – 11 (seed) 40.5 Cup shaped white flowers, brown seeds,

(DPL – 17) 6 – 7 (fibre) suitable for both irrigated and rainfed

conditions, resistant to rust and blight
diseases
 CROPPING SYSTEM
A. CROPPING SYSTEMS IN WHICH LINSEED IS INCLUDED
 RICE – LINSEED
 MAIZE – LINSEED
 SORGHUM – LINSEED
 PEARL MILLET – LINSEED
 GROUND NUT – LINSEED
 COWPEA – LINSEED
 SOYBEAN - LINSEED

B. MIXED CROPPING / INTERCROPPING WITH

 WHEAT
 BARLEY
 GRAM
 MUSTARD
 UTERA / PAIRA SYSTEM OF CULTIVATION
 In this system of cultivation, linseed crop is taken as a RELAY CROP in standing paddy.
 This practice is adopted with the objective of utilizing the residual soil moisture In rice
fields where tillage after the harvest of rice crop is difficult.
 In this practice seed of linseed crop is broadcast in standing rice crop at flowering
stage / dough stage (10 – 15 days before the harvest of the paddy crop).
 Advantage of this method is that the linseed crop utilizes the residual fertility of
manures and fertilizers applied to paddy.
 Also the cost of field preparation is saved
 After the harvest of paddy one hand weeding is done.
 The major limitations of this method
 Include use of higher seed rate
 Low yield
 SEED RATE
Seed rate depends on the planting method, inherent soil fertility as well as on the
variety to be planted.
The seed rate of small seeded varieties is lower than the seed rate of bold seeded
varieties.
Normal seed rate of linseed / flax is 20- 30 kg / ha (Average 25 kg / ha)
Broadcast Method
Rainfed crop : 40 kg / ha
Irrigated crop : 35 kg / ha
Line Sowing / Drill Sowing
Rainfed crop : 30 kg / ha
Irrigated crop : 25 kg / ha
Seed rate recommended in Himachal Pradesh
In prepared bed : 40 kg / ha
Utera Method : 75 kg / ha
 SPACING and SOWING
 Linseed was usually sown by broadcast method in most of the traditional areas of
its cultivation.
 However Line Sowing should be adopted as it gives better results.
 Of late, large area of this crop is sown either through ‘kera’ method or using seed
drill.
 Drill sowing ensures even distribution of seed and its uniform placement leading to
adequate stand establishment.
 The crop should be sown at a Row to Row spacing of 30 cm with plant to plant
spacing of 5 cm.
 Seed should be sown at a depth of 4 – 5 cm. Under irrigated condition seed may be
sown at a depth of 3 cm which ensures quick germination.
 In case the moisture content od surface layer is inadequate for germination, seeds
should be sown at a depth of 4 cm. In no case the depth should be more than 5 cm.
 TIME OF SOWING
RAINFED CROP IRRIGATED CROP
MADHYA PRADESH / 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
CHHATTISGARH
MAHARASHTRA 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
UTTAR PRADESH 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
ORISSA 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
WEST BENGAL 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
BIHAR / JHARKHAND 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER 2nd FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER
HIMACHAL PRADESH 1st FORTNIGHT OF OCTOBER

SOWING SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED BEYOND FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER AS IT RESULTS IN INCREASED
DISEASE INCIDENCE
 SEED TREATMENT
 SEED TREATMENT WITH BAVISTIN / THIRAM @ 2.5 g / kg SEED FOR THE
CONTROL OF DISEASES

 TREATMENT OF SEED WITH AZOTOBACTER / AZOSPIRILLUM FOR

NITROGEN FIXATION FROM ATMOSPHERE PSB FOR AND INCREASED
PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY FROM SOIL

 SEED TREATMENT WITH CHLORPYRIPHOS FOR PREVENTING DAMAGE

BY TERMITES AND OTHER SOIL BORNE INSECTS
 MANURES AND FERTILIZERS
 This crop is generally grown without manuring though application of recommended dose of
fertilizers can result in significantly higher yield.

 8 - 10 t / ha FYM or compost should be applied at the time of field preparation.

 For obtaining good yields, application of 50 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O /ha is

recommended.

 Under irrigated conditions apply the entire dose of Phosphorus and Potash along with 50 % of
Nitrogen at the time of sowing.

 Remaining 50 % Nitrogen should be applied at the time of first irrigation.

 For rainfed crop the entire quantity of fertilizers should be added at the time of sowing by deep
placement.
 WATER MANAGEMENT
 Although it is a rainfed crop but it responds to irrigation.

 Two irrigations are sufficient to obtain good yields.

 First irrigation should be given at 30 - 40 days after sowing.

 Second irrigation is to be given just before flowering.

 If there are winter showers the crop needs no irrigation.

 WEED CONTROL
 Linseed is a poor competitor with weeds due to slow initial growth
and lower leaf area.

 Competition by weeds adversely affect the yield, oil content and

quality.

 Two hand weedings should be done at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing.

 Thinning should be done at the time of first weeding so as to

maintain proper plant population.

 Weeds can be controlled by the use of chemicals too.

 HERBICIDES RECOMMENDED IN LINSEED
1. PENDIMETHALIN STOMP 30 EC
1.00 Kg a.i. / ha
PRE EMERGENCE WITHIN 2 DAYS OF SOWING

2. ISOPROTURON 50 WP / 75 WP
1.0 kg a.i. / ha
POST - EMERGENCE AT 2 – 3 LEAF STAGE OF THE WEED

3. IMAZETHAPYR PURSUIT / LAGAAM / CHEETAH 10 % SL

100 g a.i. / ha (Pre – emergence)
100 g a.i. / ha (Post – emergence, 2-3 leaf stage of weeds)

4. CLODINAFOP TOPIK / TOPPER 15 / 10 WP

50 – 60 g a.i. / ha
POST - EMERGENCE

BEST RESULTS ARE OBTAINED WITH THE PRE – EMERGENCE APPLICATION OF

PENDIMETHALIN + IMAZETHAPYR (1.0 kg / ha) - VELLORE 32
 DISEASES AND INSECT PESTS
DISEASES
 RUST
 WILT
 POWDERY MILDEW
 LEAF SPOT
INSECT PESTS
 LINSEED MIDGE
 LEAF MINER
 CATERPILLARS
 GRASSY CUTWORM
 HARVESTING AND THRESHING
Harvesting is done when plant turn golden yellow and the capsules turn brownish
and begins to dry up and open.
This stage comes at about 130 – 150 DAS in plains and about 170 – 180 days in
hills (Himachal Pradesh)
The crop is harvested by pulling or cutting the plants at base.
The plants are stacked on the threshing floor to dry.
When most of the capsules have opened, threshing is done by beating with a stick
or by trampling under the feet of bullocks.
Winnowing is done to clean the grain from chaff.
For fibre it is harvested at capsule maturity when the crop is still green.
Delayed harvesting of crop grown for fibre leads to the deterioration of fibre quality.
 YIELD
• With the adoption of improved / ideal cultivation practices it is
possible to harvest about 15 – 20 q seed / ha.

• However the average yield that is regularly obtained under different

growing conditions is
Condition Yield (kg / ha)
Rainfed crop 300 - 500
Irrigated crop 800 - 1000
   Fibre yield 400 - 600
 EXTRACTION OF FIBRE
 Flax fibre is extracted from the bast beneath the surface of the
stem of the flax plant.
 Flax fibre is soft, lustrous, and flexible.
 It is stronger than cotton fibre, but less elastic.
 The process of extracting fibre from the stem is called as
RETTING.
 Retting is a process employing the action of micro-organisms and
moisture on plants to dissolve or rot away much of the cellular
tissues and pectins surrounding bast-fibre bundles, and so
facilitating separation of the fibre from the stem. It is used in the
production of fibre from plant materials such as flax and hemp
stalks and coir from coconut husks.
 TYPES OF RETTING
• FIELD OR DEW RETTING: In this plant stems are cut or pulled up
and left in the field to rot. Farmers monitor the process closely to
ensure that the bast fibres separate from the inner core without much
deterioration in quality. Moisture is needed for the microbial
breakdown to occur, but then the weather must be dry enough for the
stalks to dry for bailing. Although varying weather conditions affect the
quality of fibre, field retting has been used extensively because it is
inexpensive, mechanized, and does not use water.
 TYPES OF RETTING
• WATER RETTING: Water retting produces more uniform and high-quality fibre,
but the process is very labour and capital intensive. Stems are immersed in
water (rivers, ponds or tanks) and monitored frequently. Not only is this labour
intensive, farmers and / or workers must be knowledgeable about fibre quality.
Also, the process uses large volumes of clean water that must be treated before
being discharged. Water retting has been largely abandoned in countries where
labour is expensive or environmental regulations exist. Scientists speculate that
improved microorganisms or direct use of enzymes may allow countries in
Europe and North America to produce textile quality bast fibres.