Canola growth, grain and oil yield response to planting date under diverse climatic conditions in Limpopo Province

Abstract

Canola (Brassica napus) is an important oil crop which is not well grown in Limpopo Province. Planting date is identified as a critical management decision in canola production for enhanced biological and economic returns as it has direct influence on the growing condition at which the crop is exposed to. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of planting date on growth, grain yield, oil content and economic returns on canola production as a winter crop option in the province. The study was conducted at two climatically diverse locations; the University of Limpopo experimental farm at Syferkuil and an Ofcolaco farmers’ field in 2013 and 2014. Canola was planted at four different dates (April, May, June and July) and (March, April, May) during 2013 and 2014 growing seasons, respectively, in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) under four replications, using AG-Muster cultivar. Weather parameters were obtained from Agricultural Research Council and University of Limpopo experimental farm. Plant parameters measured were days to seedling emergence, flowering and physiological maturity, plant height, number of main and sub branches, dry matter at onset of flowering and crop residues after threshing, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, unshelled and shelled weight, and grain yield. The results revealed that, days to seedling emergence responded significantly (P≤0.01) and (P≤0.05) to planting date at both locations and years except in 2014 at Syferkuil. Plant height was significantly influenced by planting date in 2013 at both locations but in 2014, the effect was significant at maturity and flowering at Syferkuil and Ofcolaco respectively. At Ofcolaco, planting date influenced days to 50% flowering, physiological maturity and plant height in both growing seasons. The influence of planting date on days to flowering and physiological maturity was significant (P≤0.01) at both locations and seasons. Canola dry matter accumulation at flowering responded significantly (P≤ 0.01) to planting date only at Syferkuil in 2013 across seasons and locations whereas residue after seed threshing responded significantly at both locations and seasons. Grain yield was significantly (P≤0.01) influenced by planting dates at all locations and seasons ranging from 292 to 2983 kg ha-1. At Syferkuil, planting canola not later than April resulted in higher grain yield whereas at Ofcolaco, planting between April and May produced the highest grain yield. The number of pods per 2 plant influenced grain yield more than the other yield components studied and regarding weather variables, minimum temperature was found to be most important in influencing growth and grain yield of canola. Oil yield ranged from 155 to 539 kg ha-1 at Syferkuil, in 2013 whilst in 2014, the range was 252 to 614 kg ha-1. At Ofcolaco, significant response of oil yield to planting dates was observed in both seasons. Economic returns at Syferkuil ranged from -R6213.00 to +R2130.00 whereas at Ofcolaco the range was +R793.00 to +R6555.00. The study revealed that Ofcolaco appeared to be better suited for canola production compared to Syferkuil due to higher grain yield and positive economic returns at the former. Keywords: canola; grain yield; oil yield; plant density, planting dates, weather parameters.