Performance test of Euphorbia lagascae Spreng., an oilseed species rich in vernolic acid, in southeast Spain

Abstract Euphorbia lagascae is a wild spurge native to southeastern Spain that has potential as a new oilseed crop. The oil makes up 50% of seed weight and about two-thirds of it is vernolic acid ( cis 12,13-epoxyoleic acid). This unusual fatty acid has several applications for the chemical industry, the more relevant being as stabilizer-plasticizer. To evaluate yield potential of E. lagascae as a possible new oilseed crop, fourteen accessions (selected from a Spanish germplasm collection) were sown at two different localities of Murcia, Spain (a winter mild coastal area and a cold winter inland area, both with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate) and at two different sowing seasons (spring and autumn). Seed yield, seed oil content and vernolic acid percentage of the oil were measured at both localities and sowing times. The highest yield was obtained at the coastal location and with both sowing times. However, irrigation was needed with the spring sowing. The low temperatures of the high altitude location did not damage the plants but reduced their growth rate, producing smaller plants and lower yields. The average oil content was about 44%; 63% of it was vernolic acid, but some accessions could be highlighted for having higher contents (48% and 69% respectively). Seed yield, which was difficult to estimate because of seed dehiscence, reached maximum values at the coastal location where it ranged from 400 to 1600 kg/ha (calculated from number of capsules/m 2 and 1000 seed weight). The main agronomical problems found were seed dehiscence and poor germination. Breeding work has to be undertaken to improve E. lagascae as a potential new crop.