Effects of Plant and Canopy Density on Seed Yield and Oil Content in White Lupin (Lupinus albus)

Abstract

SUMMARYHigh plant populations caused a reduction in pod set and consequently in seed yield. Removal of axillary branches reduced the average weight of seed and percentage seed oil on primary racemes, indicating transport of photosynthate from branch leaves to storage sites in pods on primary racemes. Debranching at low densities was also associated with premature senescence of leaves and desiccation of immature pods, suggesting that branch removal need not have an exclusively simple nutritional basis. High canopy density reduced oil content, and seeds borne on primary racemes had lower oil levels than those on axillary branches.