The Factor of N and P Fertilization Affecting the Concentration of a Nutraceutical Lignan in Flaxseed
As lignans are derived from phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein, it is logical to ask the question of the effect of nitrogen and/or phosphorus fertilizers on the final concentration of SDG in flax seed.
IPNI-2002-CAN-SK31
15 Apr 2002
Justification
- Nutraceuticals, materials that have a health benefit beyond simple nutrition, are an emerging product as consumers seek ways to maintain or improve their health status. The global markets for nutraceuticals are in the hundreds of millions of dollars and still increasing. Commonly, nutraceuticals are derived from plant sources, some of which are traditional crops but are often new or minor crops. The factors that govern the concentration of a nutraceutical in a plant are not well understood compared to our knowledge of factors contributing to yield, oil or protein concentration or maturity for example. Westcott and Muir reported to the Flax Institute of the United States in 1996 that there were significant variety influences on the SDG content of flax seed collected in regional trials. There were also differences associated with the year and to a lesser extent the location. The nutraceutical industry would benefit from knowing how to optimize the concentration of nutraceuticals so as to standardize the quality. There is no information available on the influence of nitrogen, phosphorous or other nutrients on the concentration of SDG in flax seed. As lignans are derived from phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein, it is logical to ask the question of the effect of nitrogen and/or phosphorus fertilizers on the final concentration of SDG in flax seed.