Seeding rate and row spacing affect flax yields and weed interference

Abstract

Seeding rate and row spacing are management practices that affect flax seed yield. Two experiments were conducted from 1988 to 1990 to determine the influence of flax seeding rates (300, 600, and 900 seeds m−2) and row spacings (9, 18, and 27 cm). One was a flax-weed interference study (three sites) and the other was a weed-free study (13 sites). In the presence of weeds, increasing seeding rate from 300 to 900 seeds m−2 improved flax seed yield by 180 kg ha−1, and reduced broadleaf weed yields by 300 kg ha−1 and grassy weed yields by 180 kg ha−1. In weed-free conditions, seed yield was not affected by seeding rate. Row spacing did not affect flax yield and had minor effects on weed yields when weeds were not controlled. When weeds were controlled, seed yield in the 9-cm row spacing was 9% (15% in the flax-weed interference study) greater than in the two wider row spacings. Seeding rate and row spacing independently influenced flax yield, and their effect was consistent among sites with weeds present, but was not consistent when weeds were controlled. Our results showed that flax seeding rate was an important component of integrated weed management. Key words: Flax, seeding rate, row spacing, weed interference