A comparative study between Europe and China in crop management of two types of flax: linseed and fibre flax

Presented are the main differences between fibre flax and linseed in the following areas: botany, environmental requirements, methods of cultivation, methods and time of harvesting, and feedstock of potential application in bio-industry. Agricultural practice in fibre flax and linseed cultivation was compared between the EU and China. The subjects of analysis were cultivar choice, environmental requirements, crop rotation place, fertilizers, sowing practices, post emergent cultivation (plant protection) and harvesting. Crucial factors affecting fibre flax and linseed yield and its quality were evaluated. Research gaps were shown for better utilization of potential fibre flax and linseed yielding capacity in the Europe and China. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.