Evaluation of Effect of Different Tillage Methods and Seed Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Rapeseed (Brassica napus) in Dry Land Condition

Abstract

Abstract In order to study the effect of different tillage methods and seed rates on grain yield and yield components of rapeseed in dry land conditions, an experiment was performed from 2007-2008 season in Imamzadegafar Agriculture Education Center in Gachsaran. The experiment was set up as strip split plot based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Main plot factor was different tillage methods including: 1- no tillage 2- chisel plow + disk harrow 3- disk harrow + disk harrow 4- combinat 5- mold board + disk harrow. Sub plot factor was seed rates 5, 7 and 9 kg/ha. Properties of measurement were grain yield, yield components, number of branches, number of pod in bush, 1000 seed weight, harvest index, oil and protein content. The results showed that effect of combinat treatment on grain yield components was better than other treatments. Also amount 7 and 9 kg seed/ha was significantly different from 5 kg seed/ha. Maximum and minimum grain yield of 2957 and 1300 kg/ha produced by combinat with 7 kg seed/ha and no tillage with 5 kg seed/ha, respectively. Maximum and minimum oil content of %37.93 and %35.68 was obtained in combinat treatment with 5 kg seed/ha and moldboard plow with 9 kg seed/ha, respectively. Between yield components, number of branches and pod in bush showed maximum variablility and KTW, HI, oil and protein content had the minimum variation. In general, combinat treatment with 7 kg seed/ha was performed better than other treatments. Keywords: Rapeseed, Seed rate, Tillage methods