Sources of Nutrients for High-Yielding Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) during Post-Flowering Growth

Abstract

Nutrient management by winter oilseed rape (WOSR) during the seed filling period (SFP) is crucial for seed density (SD), which subsequently determines seed yield (Y). This hypothesis was evaluated based on data from field experiments (2008-2010), with six treatments with sequentially added nutrients (0, NP, NPK, NPKMgS1(1/3 total MgS rate—spring applied), NPKMgS2 (total MgS rate autumn applied); NPKMgS3 (2/3-autumn, 1/3-spring). Nutrients accumulated in seeds were revealed as the most reliable WOSR trait, determining SD and Y. Yield was defined by the amounts of K and Mg in seeds. The amount nutrient remobilized from vegetative WOSR tissues was sufficient to cover the crop requirements during SFP for N, P, and Zn, but not for Ca, K, Mn, and Cu. The post-flowering K uptake resulted in PD, and SD increase, which subsequently resulted in a concomitant net uptake of Ca and Mg. The excessive accumulation of Ca, as well as Cu, and Mn in seeds due to a shortage of Mg, subsequently resulted in both SD and Y depression. The efficient exploitation of WOSR yielding potential as defined by SD, is possible, provided during the SFP reveals a net K and Mg uptake.