| Camelina | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Camelina sativa | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Camelina Crantz |
| Species | |
| |
Camelina is agenus within theflowering plant familyBrassicaceae. TheCamelina species, commonly known as false flax, are native toMediterranean regions ofEurope andAsia. Most species of this genus have been little studied, with the exception ofCamelina sativa, historically cultivated as anoil plant.Heinrich Johann Nepomuk von Crantz was the first botanist to use the genusCamelina in his classification works in 1762.
As a way to reduce fossil fuel emissions, the US Navy tested a 50-50 mix of jet aviation fuel and biofuel derived from camelina seeds in 2010.[1] A study published in December 2016 explained that the current low price of conventionalkerosene-based jet fuel makes it cost-prohibitive for commercial airlines to use camelina-based jet fuel. The study said substantial government intervention would be one way to create a market for camelina, by combining 9 percent government subsidy on camelina crop production, with 9 percent tax on conventional fuel.[2]
The nameCamelina comes from the Greek for "ground" and "flax", alluding to its being a weed which suppresses the vigour of flax crops.[3]
Camelina plants areannual orbiennialherbs. Their leaves aresimple,lanceolate to narrowlyelliptic. The flowers arehermaphroditicactinomorphic, grouped inracemes, and yellowish colored. The seeds are formed indehiscent siliques.[4]
The first full genome sequence forCamelina sativa was released on 1 August 2013, by a Canadian research team. The genome sequence and its annotation are available in a genome viewer format and enabled for sequence searching and alignment.[5] Technical details ofCamelina's genome sequence were published on 23 April 2014 in the academic journal Nature Communications.[6]
In 2013,Rothamsted Research in the UK reported they had developed a genetically modified form ofCamelina sativa that producedEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) andDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at levels equivalent to fish oil.[7] EPA and DHA are long-chainomega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. The main source of these omega-3 fatty acids is fish but supplies are limited and unsustainable.[8][9] In October 2023,Yield10 Bioscience acquired an exclusive commercial license for the Rothansted's EPA/DHACamelina.[10] In January 2024, Yield10 requested a Regulatory Status Review fromUSDA-APHIS for the modifiedCamelina.[11]
Four common species are presented below. However, at least two databanks indicate more species may exist.[12]
Biodiesel made from camelina has a variety of benefits. First, traditional petroleum or diesel fuel is not renewable resources, the production of these resources is finite. Camelina biodiesel, however, is a renewable resource. Camelina based aviation fuel could save 84% of carbon emissions.[14] Camelina biodiesel can be produced in large quantities as feedstocks are enough. Moreover, camelina biodiesel can reduce a country's dependence on fossil resources, which can ensure a country's energy security. In addition, camelina biodiesel is an environmentally friendly fuel, and it is biodegradable.[15] Thegreenhouse gas emission of camelina biodiesel produced byno-till farming is lower than that of traditional methods.[16]
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Die zweite interessante Crucifere ist Camelina rumelica Velen., welche ich schon im Jahre 1887 aus Bulgarien beschrieben und abgebildet habe.
