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Establishment of oilseed rape: Seed crop management effects on seed quality and seedling performance


HGCA PROJECT REPORT OS42

Establishment of oilseed rape: Seed crop management effects on seed quality and seedling performance

by
D.T. Stokes1, M.J. Bullard2, G.D. Lunn1,
K.R. Basu1, R.W. Clare3 and R.K. Scott1
1 Division of Agriculture and Horticulture, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD
2 ADAS AthurRickwood, Mepal, nr. Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2BA
3 ADAS Rosemaund, Preston Wynne, Herefordshire, HR1 3PG
 

April 2000

Abstract

Establishment of oilseed rape is difficult and can account for up to 50% of the total cost of growing the crop. This difficulty is due to small seeds and poor seedbed conditions on the heavy clays where 60% on the national crop is grown. The aim of this project was to assess the potential for improving establishment by improved seed quality and seedling vigour, by examining the influence that management of the mother crop might have on seed germination and seedling performance. The main hypotheses tested in the work were that:

  • Maturity of seed affects their subsequent germination and emergence performance
  • Seed protein/oil content can be manipulated by husbandry/harvesting strategy
  • Seed protein/oil content influences germination and emergence
  • Seed selection and treatment processes can improve germination and emergence performance

 

HGCA Project Number: 1352
Price: £3.75

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