Effect of sowing date on phenology and grain yield of twelve canola varieties – Canowindra 2015

Abstract

Key findings »» Early sowing exacerbated phenological differences between the varieties. »» The spread of days to reach 50% flowering within each time of sowing (TOS) varied by 35, 26 and 14 days in TOS 1, TOS 2 and TOS 3 respectively. »» The highest yield was achieved by Nuseed GT-50 (3.59 t/ha) sown on 1 May. »» Hyola® 600RR was the highest yielding variety when averaged across all sowing dates. »» The sowing time had a negligible impact on grain yield. »» The biomass at 50% flowering was greatest in TOS 2 (9.92 t/ha) followed by TOS 1 (7.93 t/ha) and TOS 3 (9.23 t/ha). »» There was a strong correlation between biomass at maturity and grain yield, i.e. a higher biomass produced a higher yield.