Green forage yield and yield components of five oilseed rape genotypes (Brassica napus L.) in response to sowing date and harvest stage

Abstract

Five oilseed rape genotypes were tested at three sowing dates and harvested at two developmental phases to determine their effects on green forage yield and yield components during 2013/14 growing season. The highest density of canopy was observed at the third sowing date (86 - 157 plants/m2 ). Among five genotypes, AbaKus formed the most plants/m2 - 109, 106 and 157. The highest plant height was observed from the first sowing date (94.7 - 104 cm). The examined genotypes formed most leaves/plant, from 8.1 to 9.9 planted at the first sowing date. The cultivar AbaKus expressed a significantly higher forage yield (61.2 t/ha) during the second harvest phase. Together with cv. Perko, they had the greatest green forage production potential.

Keywords

• oilseed rape
• genotype
• forage yield
• sowing date
• plant density