Comparative study of growth, physiology and yield attributes of camelina (Camelina sativa L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) under different irrigation regimes

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is an alternative oilseed crop having several attractive features making it a potential oilseed crop. To assess the physiology, growth and yield responses of different genotypes of camelina and canola crops under various irrigation regimes two field trials were conducted for consecutive growing seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Randomized complete block design (RCBD with factorial arrangements was adopted. In this experiment two camelina genotypes (Camelina-611 and Camelina-618), and two canola genotypes (Punjab sarsoon and Faisal canola) were used with four levels of irrigations I-0 (two irrigations: 1st at vegetative stage and 2nd at reproductive stage), I-1 (one irrigation at vegetative stage), I-2 (one irrigation at reproductive stage), and I-3 (no irrigation). The results revealed that the maximum values of leaf gas exchange traits, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, leaf water relation, yield and yield components were noted when two irrigations (I-0) were applied and it was followed by one irrigation at vegetative stage (I-1). However, the minimum values of these traits were recorded in water deficit plants that received no irrigation (I-3). Among the genotypes Camelina-618 relatively performed well as compared to other genotypes regarding all the recorded parameters (leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, leaf water relation, yield and yield components) under both well-watered and water stressed conditions.