Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) pod shatter resistance and its relationship with whole plant and pod characteristics

Abstract

Low pod resistance is a main reason for high oilseed rape loss in mechanized harvesting. To select varieties with high resistance, this study proposed a 2-degree-of-freedom collision method (2-DFCM) for pods. It was compared with the available ripping and shaker collision methods. The influences of various factors on pod resistance were discussed, and the characteristics of the pods of whole plants were compared and analysed. The results demonstrated that the 2-DFCM results are more reliable based on pod resistance. Field pod resistances were found to be significantly lower than after the indoor equilibration of unripe plants to the same water content, and 2-DFCM is convenient for field testing and accurately identifies pod characteristics. The pericarp, thousand-seed weight, pod thickness and volume, and plant branch height were found to be significantly correlated with pod resistance, which can be strengthened by breeding. The varieties and pod growth positions significantly affected resistance. For field pods, the branch pod resistance was significantly higher than that of the main inflorescence, and the top pod of the raceme had the lowest resistance. The results of this paper provide a reliable reference for agronomic experts to improve oilseed rape varieties.