B. carinata, or Ethiopian mustard, is a winter crop native to Ethiopia that yields multiple benefits. It is a non-invasive oilseed crop high in oil content (over 40%) and erucic acid, and its oil can be converted into biofuel for jets. Researchers at the University of Florida have been testing B. carinata varieties and have found it can yield up to 104 bushels per acre with little disease or frost damage, providing a potential net profit of $397 per acre. In 2017, UF/IFAS researchers received a $15 million USDA grant to further study B. carinata as a winter crop.

1. Brassica carinata: A Winter Crop That
Yields Multiple Benefits
B. carinata, or
Ethiopian mustard:
an oilseed crop native to the
Ethiopian highlands, non-invasive
to Florida and the rest of North
America.
• High in oil content (> 40%)
• High in erucic acid
• Oil can be converted
into biofuel for jets
• Grown on 36,000
acres on 4 continents
• Grows well in Southeast U.S.
(60 bushels per acre in
potential yields)
• Seed meal can be
used for cattle feed
B. carinata as a winter crop:
• Frost and drought tolerant
• Source of increased revenue
(avg. $235/acre net)
• As a cover crop, reduces soil
erosion, nutrient leaching;
increases soil organic
matter, moisture
UF/IFAS Research
Researchers at the University
of Florida Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences have been field
testing B. carinata genotypes and
commercial varieties for optimum
yields, early maturity, cold tolerance,
and disease resistance.
Results from Live Oak:
• Early planting and soil moisture are
critical for stand establishment.
• Developmental variety yields ranging
from 65-104 bushels per acre.
• Commercial productions lines yielded
84 bpa with little or no damage from
disease or frost.
• With average seed prices ($80/lb.)
and inputs ($275/acre), net profit
of $397/acre was calculated.
Seepaul, R., et al. 2016. Carinata, the Jet Fuel Cover Crop:
2016 Production Recommendations for the Southeastern
United States. UF/IFAS EDIS publication SS-AGR-384.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag389
In 2017, UF/IFAS researchers
were awarded a
$15 MILLION
USDA/NIFA grant to study B. carinata.