The effect of plant population on grain yield and oil concentration of four canola varieties – Nyngan 2012

Abstract

Key findings • The lowest plant population (10 plants/ m2) had reduced dry matter at flowering compared to 25 plants/ m2 for all varieties except Pioneer® 43Y85 CL. Dry matter was similar for all varieties where plant population was increased from 25 to 60 plants/m2. • Grain yield for all varieties except ATR-Stingray[PBR] was lower at 10 plants/m2 than 25 plants/m2, with no further yield increase where plant population was increased beyond 25 plants/m². The lack of grain yield increase in populations greater then 25 plants/m2 indicates the high compensation capacity of canola plants. • Pioneer® 43Y85 CL (average yield 1.8 t/ha) was the highest yielding variety at all seed rates. ATR Stingray[PBR] (average yield 0.4 t/ha) was the lowest yielding variety at all seed rates. • Oil concentration differences were less obvious; however the intermediate treatments (25 and 40 plants/m2) were slightly higher than the 10 and 60 plants/m² treatments.