Janet Matanguihan's Research
Assistant Professor of Biology
We are conducting field trials to evaluate the agronomic performance of flax varieties in Pennsylvania. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has immense potential in the dietary intervention against chronic diseases. Flaxseed oil contains high leveal of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. It also has properties that can lower LDL cholesterol and may prevent diabetes and certain types of cancer. We are on the third year of field trials. At present, we have identified six flax varieties which grow well and have comparable yield under South Central PA conditions. We are also interested in using molecular markers to identify flax varieties with high oil yields. These molecular markers are associated with genes involved in flax oil production. The use of these markers can confirm the results of our field trials.