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The effects of seed size, autumn nitrogen and plant population density on the response to delayed sowing in winter oil-seed rape (Brassica napus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

N. J. Mendham ,
P. A. Shipway  and
R. K. Scott
N. J. Mendham
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD
P. A. Shipway
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD
R. K. Scott
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD
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Summary

The aim of the experiments reported here was to investigate the possibility of minimizing yield losses due to late sowing by increasing leaf area and radiation interception during the pre-flowering period. The use of large seed did increase leaf area, radiation interception and crop weight at flowering. Normally this would be expected to lead to increased yield of late sowings, but hot, dry conditions severely affected all crops during seed growth. Applying fertilizer nitrogen in the seed bed boosted pre-flowering growth of early but not late sowings, probably because low temperatures prevented a response in the latter. Increasing plant population density did improve leaf cover and radiation interception until just before flowering, but leaf canopies in late-sown, low density crops were then able to expand more and function for longer owing to less shading by flowers and pods. Seed retention was improved and, even with as few as 8 plants/m3 in 1973–4, a worthwhile yield was still obtained.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 96 , Issue 2 , April 1981 , pp. 417 - 428
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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References

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