The effect of sowing date, nitrogen rate and irrigation on flowering and grain yield of four canola varieties – Condobolin 2017

Abstract

Key findings • • Variety phenology and sowing date need to match to avoid plants flowering and podding during periods of severe frost. The highest yield in 2017 came from the 6 April sowing of the long season varieties Archer and ATR Wahoo[PBR] that flowered in early August. • • ATR Stingray[PBR] and Nuseed® Diamond flowered earlier than the optimum start of flowering (OSF) date (28 July) from both the 6 April and 20 April sowing dates with significant frost damage incurred at both sowing dates. • • Canola varieties have the ability to recover from severe frost damage where soil water is not limited.