The effect of stored water and sowing date on flowering and grain yield of hybrid and open-pollinated canola in the low rainfall zone of central west NSW

Abstract

Key findings • Sowing canola early (6 April) on 200 mm applied water reduced the time to the start of flowering by up to two weeks, compared with a later sowing (7 May). • Significant yield increases were recorded across all varieties (for both sowing dates) where 200 mm water was applied pre-sowing, compared with 70 mm and 0 mm. • The highest yield resulted from sowing a mid season hybrid (Pioneer® 45Y91 (CL)) early on 200 mm applied water. • Sowing canola early on 200 mm applied water yielded around 900 kg/ha more than sowing later with the same amount of applied water, averaged across all varieties.