INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR ON YIELD AND SEED QUALITY OF THREE CANOLA CULTIVARS

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers on yield and seed quality of three canola cultivars, a factorial based on randomized complete block experiment was conducted during 2005–2006 in Iran. Treatments included four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha⁻¹ source of urea), four sulfur rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg S ha⁻¹), and three cultivars (‘Pf’, ‘Option-500’, and ‘Hyola-401’). Results indicated cultivar had a significant effect on all studied traits. ‘Option-500’ and ‘Hyola-401’ cultivars had the highest seed yield, protein content, and N:S ratio in seed. The levels of 150 and 220 kg N ha⁻¹ resulted in the maximum protein content. Increasing N levels resulted in N content and decreased the oil content. The interaction effect between S and N levels showed the highest N content in seed was obtained with 300 kg S ha⁻¹ and 225 kg N ha⁻¹.

Keywords:

• canola (Brassica napus L.)
• nitrogen (N)
• sulfur (S)
• yield
• oil content
• protein content

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The financial support of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University and Agriculture Research Station of Baye-Kolah (Mazandaran) and help of Mr. M. Mahmoudi, Mr. Aziz Zade Firozi, and Mr. Bahrololom is kindly acknowledged.