Boost Your Linseed Production: Expert Tips and Techniques
Discover the ultimate guide to growing Linseed (Alsi) in Pakistan! Learn how to prepare your land, choose the best varieties, and master sowing, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, disease management, pest control, harvesting, and post-harvesting techniques. Get ready to maximize your yields and meet the growing demand for this valuable oilseed crop. Read now and become a Linseed production expert!
AGRONOMY
Dr Mhamood-ul-Hassaan, Senior Scientist, AARI, Faisalabad. Dr Imarn Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, UAF. Hamid Majeed, M.Sc. (Hons.) Student, UAF
8/19/20242 min read
Linseed is also known as Alsi in Pakistan. It is one of the most important winter oilseed crops. It has high demand in the market, and it has 39%-44 % oil content. In this article will focus the production of technology of Linseed. The technology of production will be discussed such as land preparation, different varieties, the process of sowing, irrigation, fertilizer, control of weeds, disease control, pest management, harvesting and postharvesting.
Land Preparation: Plough the soil 2-3 times with harrowing to achieve excellent tilth. Use a laser land leveler to level the soil. Linseed grows best on clay soils or clay loams.
Varieties:
Chandni: Variety released in 1988. Disease and lodging resistance. High oil content. Good quality fiber.
Roshni: Released in 2018, tolerant to diseases and lodging, potential yield of 18-22 mound/acre
Sowing Method: Treat seeds with fungicide like Bavistin or Thiram 2gm/kg seed. Use a drill for sowing, maintaining 1 foot distance between rows. Seed depth should not exceed 4-5 cm.
Irrigation: Irrigation is necessary after sowing, with 3-4 irrigation depending on climate and soil type. 1st irrigation after sowing, 2nd before flowering, and 3rd at lowering stage.
Fertilizers: Nitrogen: 23kg/acre, half applied at sowing and remaining with 1st irrigation. Phosphorus and Potash: 16kg/acre and 12kg/acre, respectively, applied at sowing.
Weed Control: 1st hoeing before 1st irrigation and 2nd hoeing after 1st irrigation. Herbicides like Isoproturon 75 WP and Pendimethalin can be used
Disease Control: Wilt: Cultivate tolerant varieties, remove diseased plants, and treat seeds with fungicide. Rust: Spray Sulphur or Indofil Z-78 and treat seeds with fungicide.
Pest Control: Lucerne Caterpillar: Spray Sevin/Hexavin 50 WP or Malathion 50 EC
Harvesting: Crops are ready for harvesting when the bolls become full brown, which is usually in the last week of April or 1st week of May. Harvesting should be done at proper time with proper method.
Post-Harvesting: Place plants on threshing area for 4-5 days for drying. Threshing is conducted by beating the crop with sticks. Store with moisture not exceeding 8%
These guidelines will help farmers in Pakistan efficiently produce Linseed and help in meeting the rising demand for the Linseed crop.