Effect of molybdenum levels on photosynthetic characteristics, yield and seed quality of two oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars

Abstract

ABSTRACTMolybdenum (Mo) is an essential element for higher plants. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different Mo levels on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield and seed quality of two oilseed rape cultivars (ZS11 and L0917) using a pot experiment at four Mo levels [0 (control), 0.15, 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg−1]. Results showed that the dry matter significantly increased with Mo concentration increasing at the stem elongation stage. The net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) were the highest at the 0.15 mg kg−1 level but reduced at 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg−1 levels. The yield and harvest index were highest at 0.15 and 0.3 mg kg−1 for ZS11 and L0917, respectively. Gray correlation model analysis showed that the synthetic characteristics of seed quality (expressed as gray relation degree) followed the sequence of Mo1.0 > Mo 0 > Mo 0.3 > Mo 0.15 mg kg−1 for L0917 and Mo 1.0 > Mo 0.15 > Mo 0 > Mo 0.3 mg kg−1 for ZS11. Our results demonstrate that the yield of oilseed rape reached a maximum at 0.15 and 0.30 mg kg−1 for ZS11 and L0917, respectively, while the integrated seed quality is optimal at 1.0 mg kg−1 for both cultivars in Mo-deficient soil.