Evaluation of oil and protein content variability in camelina genotypes

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, a re-emerging oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family, has attracted growing attention due to its valuable seed oil composition and high-quality meal. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids and potentially beneficial for human health, while the protein-rich meal has value for animal feed. This study assessed the oil and protein content variability in 20 camelina genotypes selected from diverse origins. A field trial was conducted at the experimental site of Rimski Šančevi, Serbia, and seed composition was analyzed using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Oil content ranged from 29.90% to 36.73% (mean 33.22%), while protein content ranged from 29.02% to 35.59% (mean 32.84%). Analysis of variance showed significant genotypic differences (p < 0.001), and cluster analysis grouped genotypes into three major clusters with one unclassified genotype. The results confirm the existence of substantial genetic variability, which can be exploited in breeding programs aiming to improve camelina seed composition. As a result of ongoing breeding activities at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (IFVCNS), two camelina cultivars have been developed and commercially released: NS Slatka and NS Zlatka. These findings support the potential of camelina as a source of health-promoting bioactive compounds and contribute to its development as a sustainable crop for food and feed applications.