The effect of sowing date, soil moisture and nitrogen rate on flowering and grain yield of hybrid and open-pollinated canola

Abstract

Key findings •• Hybrid canola varieties Archer, Nuseed Diamond and Clearfield (CL) Pioneer® 44Y90 (CL) out-yielded open-pollinated (OP) triazine tolerant (TT) varieties ATR Stingray[PBR] and ATR Bonito[PBR] across all sowing dates. Hybrids generally had more growth and better recovery from frost damage. •• ATR Wahoo[PBR] was competitive with hybrid varieties as its slower phenology helped avoid frost damage. •• The highest yield resulted from planting early–mid developing (Pioneer® 44Y90 (CL)) and slow-developing (Archer) varieties on either sowing date, and fast-developing (Nuseed Diamond) on a later sowing date. •• Full irrigation led to an earlier flowering date and average yield increases of 109% over partial irrigation.