INTERACTION OF CULTIVAR AND SEEDING RATE ON VARIOUS AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FLAX

Abstract

Three flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars, Linott, Noralta and Nored, were grown in the field in 1971, 1972 and 1973 at seeding rates of 100, 250, 400, 550, 700, 850, and 1,000 seeds/m2. Certain interactions between cultivar and seeding rate occurred but none was consistent from year to year. Soil moisture and weather played an important role in yearly yield patterns. Lodging in 1973 reduced yield, weight per seed and oil percentage. The stage of maturity when wind and heavy rain occurred markedly affected the degree of lodging. Lodging increased with increase in seeding rate and corresponded to a decrease in the number of basal branches per plant. Nored branched more profusely than Noralta and Linott. Seed yields in 1971 and 1972 were relatively stable over a fourfold increase in seeding rate, showing the remarkable ability of the flax plant to compensate for low plant stands.