INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION AND SEEDING RATES ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF BRASSICA NAPUS CV. TOWER

Abstract

An analysis of the yield components of rape (Brassica napus L.) was carried out under field conditions for 2 yr at Saskatoon. Plant morphology and the crop environment were altered by the use of four planting densities and three water regimes. The number of branches per plant was scarcely affected by irrigation, but was reduced by high seeding rates. Number of pods per plant was increased by irrigation and reduced by high seeding rates. The number of seeds per pod was increased by irrigation, but reduced by high seeding rates. The 1,000-seed weight was increased both by irrigation and increased seeding rate, as was seed yield. Yield was positively correlated with 1,000-seed weight in both years. Yield component compensation was evident in the relationship of 1,000-seed weight to pod number and number of seeds per pod.