Research has shown that Camelina possesses unique agronomic traits, which could substantially reduce, and perhaps eliminate, requirements for soil tillage and annual weed control as well. The compatibility of Camelina with reduced tillage systems, cover crops, its low seeding rate, and competitiveness with weeds could enable this crop not only to have the lowest input cost of any oilseed, but also be compatible with the goals of reducing energy and pesticide use, and protecting soils from erosion.

Camdina is a potential alternative oilseed for winter surface seeding, double cropping, or marginal lands. At a seeding rate of 6-14 kg per hectare, Camdina could be inexpensively applied by air or machine-broadcast in early winter or spring on stubble ground without special equipment. Although these unimproved lines have been shown to be agronomically acceptable, modern history has indi­cated that these mustard plants can be highly manipulated through plant breeding or biotechnology, and so the promise of improvement is also high.

The fatty acid composition of the seed needs to be modified to provide a role for the crop in the oilseeds market. Lack of clear utilization patterns currently limits the crop, and further work on oil, meal, and seed use is required. The possibilities of using Camdina — in human food, as birdseed, as an edible or industrial oil, a fuel, or other applications — remain largely unexplored. Further utilization and breeding research is required to more fully make use of the unique agronomic qualities that this crop possesses.

Camdina has already proven to be an ideal feedstock for bio jet fuel.

4.4.5