Exigência térmica e produtividade de canola em diferentes épocas de semeadura em Santa Maria - RS

Abstract

Canola is a brassicaceae oilseed plant, which was developed by conventional breeding from rapeseed cultivars, grain that have high levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates (antinutritional substances). Produces oil of excellent quality for human consumption and for biodiesel production, and being the third most produced oilseed in the world. The productivity of a crop is defined by the interaction between plant, environment and management. The seeding time is a key factor for achieving success at pursuing high yields. It can be achieved by adjusting the period of crop to the most favorable environment for the expression of the yield potential of the species. Research on the growth and yield of canola in Brazil is scarce and incipient. Few results are available for the scientific community. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of canola at different times of sowing and to determine the lower base temperature in an experiment conducted in two growing seasons, 2008 and 2009. The hybrids Hyola 61 and Hyola 432, were sown in eight sowing dates in the first year, and Hyola 61 and Hyola 433, in nine sowing dates, in the second year. The results showed different lower base temperatures for each hybrid and subperiod studied. Sowing performed from June 26 onwards on both years of experiment led to major yield reduction. In Santa Maria, the highest grain yield of the canola crop occurs between April 3 and June 12.