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

• The main differences between fibre flax and linseed.
• Agricultural practice in fibre flax and linseed cultivation in China and Europe.
• Crucial factors affecting fibre flax and linseed yield and its quality.
• Research gaps in the knowledge and skills regarding cultivation of flax.
• How to diminish the effects of restricting factors, which limit flax yields and their quality.

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.