Effect of Sowing Date on the Development of Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia Tanacetifolia Benth.)

Abstract

Experiments with lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) were carried out in the period 2017–2021, during which the effect of sowing date on the stand development was assessed (height, coverage, accomplishment of individual growth stages, and weed infestation). It was demonstrated that the sowing date affects the stand growth and development. In earlier sowing dates, plants developed slower than in later sowing dates but reached a greater average height (926 mm). The lowest height (802 mm) was exhibited by plants from May (sowing 3). The third sowing date also showed the worst stand canopy closure and at BBCH 31, the stand canopy closure in Sowing 1, 2, and 3 was 82.3%, 77.8%, and 67%, respectively. The third sowing date was also the highest weed infestation. The effect of sowing date on yield and yield parameters was also monitored (weight of a thousand of grains and germinative capacity). Based on the measured data, it can be concluded that the influence on the weight of thousands of grains was minimal and in germinative capacity. Significant differences were recorded only in first year in which the germinative capacity of plants from the later sowing dates was reduced.