Hybrid Canola Research Articles

Analysis of the cultivation of canola hybrids at different sowing dates

Rich in oil and protein, canola is a significantly promising crop and is widely explored as an alternative to grain cultivation in the winter period. Recently, canola oil has been largely consumed due to a variety of health benefits and low production costs. Nonetheless, impasses such as determining the correct sowing date and optimizing harvesting methods make it difficult to expand cultivation. Accordingly, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of two canola hybrids on three sowing dates and distinct harvesting procedures. The study was conducted in Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on three sowing dates (2019, 2020, and 2021), with two hybrids (Hyola 433 and Hyola 575 CL). The methods of direct harvesting, direct harvesting with the application of adjuvant, cut-row, and cut-row with the application of adjuvant were evaluated. The main yield components were determined, in addition to biochemical parameters, such as oil and protein content and determination of oil quality (acid, peroxide, iodine, extinction, and saponification indices). Appropriately, this study indicated that canola is significantly sensitive to climatic conditions, mainly to temperature and sowing time, reducing grain and biomass yield in late sowing and resulting in serious harvest losses. Oil and grain protein contents were affected by climatic conditions. Nevertheless, the protein content was not affected by late sowing. Canola oil presented significant chemical conditions, with a correlation between the crops with higher oil yield and better oil quality.

Seed productivity of winter canola hybrids depends on the width of the row spacing in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest Steppe

Seed productivity of winter canola hybrids depends on the width of the row spacing in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest Steppe

Potential of increasing yield of spring Brassica napus canola by using Brassica rapa gene pool with emphasis on yellow sarson

Context Broadening the genetic base of canola (Brassica napus) is needed to develop improved hybrid cultivars. Wide genetic diversity is present in its parental species B. rapa and B. oleracea. In the case of B. rapa, the yellow sarson type from Asia is genetically distinct from all other types. Aims The objective of this research was to investigate the prospect of using yellow sarson to improve the performance of hybrid canola cultivars. Methods Inbred B. napus canola lines derived from an B. napus × B. rapa interspecific cross, and their F1 hybrids with the B. napus parent, as a tester, were compared on agronomic and seed quality traits; the inbreds were also evaluated for genetic diversity by using molecular markers. Key results Seed yield of the hybrids was significantly greater than the inbreds and the B. napus parent and exhibited more than 15% mid-parent heterosis (MPH). Genetic diversity did not show significant correlation with seed yield in the inbred population; however, it showed a positive correlation with MPH. Inbred yield as well as MPH showed a positive correlation with hybrid yield. For other traits, the performance of the inbreds showed a significant positive correlation with the performance of the hybrids; the average MPH for these traits was low or close to zero. Conclusions The yellow sarson gene pool showed great potential for use in the breeding of hybrid canola. Implications The knowledge gained and germplasm developed from this research can be used by breeders and researchers to develop improved canola cultivars.

Optimizing nitrogen fertilization for hybrid canola (Brassica napus L.) production across Canada

Context or problemHybrids are currently the dominant varieties in canola production, but their yield response to nitrogen (N) application across Canada has not been adequately updated. As a result, there is a lack of effective N management guidelines for modern hybrid canola to reach their full yield potential and cope with growing abiotic stresses caused by climate change. Objectives or research questionsThis study was designed to investigate the responses of yield and N use efficiency (NUE) of modern canola hybrids to N fertilization for determining site-specific economic optimum N rates (EONR). Additionally, the key driving factors of canola yields and N recommendations were identified. MethodsA 32 site-year field study across Canada was conducted to test 8 combinations of N rates and application methods on 2 site-specific hybrids in each trial. ResultsNitrogen fertilization greatly increased canola yield by an average of 41%, with significant responses in 19 out of 32 trials. Split-N strategy led to similar yield, NUE, and yield response index compared to preplant-only N application. However, these traits varied among hybrids due to different growing environments and hybrid-specific tolerance to abiotic stresses. The number of heat-stress days and heat-induced thermal accumulation surrounding the 4 weeks before and post-flowering stage directly determined the canola responses to N fertilization and EONR. ConclusionsOur results suggest a site-specific EONR of 146–166 kg N ha−1 in the Black soil zone, 85–100 kg N ha−1 in the low-yielding Brown soil zone, and 140 kg N ha−1 in Ontario, preferably with a split-N strategy for hybrid canola production. The split-N fertilization is generally recommended, as it provides an opportunity to adjust the amount of topdressing N based on historical and early season weather conditions to achieve the dual goals of increasing canola productivity and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fertilizer use. The energy and time costs must be considered when making practical decisions. Environment-specific selection of canola hybrids also played an important role in the response to N, with ‘6074RR’ in favorable weather and ‘L233P’ in drought-prone conditions appearing to be good choices for specific ecoregions.

Blackleg Yield Losses and Interactions with Verticillium Stripe in Canola (Brassica napus) in Canada.

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is an important disease of canola (Brassica napus). The pathogen can attack stems, leaves and pods, but basal stem cankers are most damaging and can result in significant yield losses. In Canada, Verticillium stripe (Verticillium longisporum) has recently emerged as another disease threat to canola. Symptoms of Verticillium stripe can resemble those of blackleg, and the two diseases may occur together. The effect of blackleg on yield was explored in field experiments with two canola hybrids and by evaluating a wider variety of hybrids in commercial crops in central Alberta, Canada. The impact on yield of L. maculans/V. longisporum interactions was also assessed under field and greenhouse conditions. In most hybrids, the relationship between blackleg severity and yield components was best explained by second-degree quadratic equations, although a linear relationship was found for one variety sampled in commercial fields. When L. maculans was co-inoculated with V. longisporum, blackleg severity and yield losses increased. In some cases, Verticillium stripe caused greater yield losses than blackleg. The results suggest that the interaction between L. maculans/V. longisporum may cause more severe losses in canola, highlighting the need for proactive disease management strategies.

Análise de trilha e espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo na cultura da canola

ABSTRACT: This study measured the effect of the association between agronomic traits related to the yield of canola grains grown at different sowing dates through path analysis. Another objective was to obtain a method to predict the oil content in the grains, fitting a multivariate model through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy analysis. The experiment was conducted in the field using a randomized block design in plots subdivided by time, with four plots (sowing dates), six subplots (canola hybrids), and four replicates. In each hybrid, phenological observations were performed, and the grain yield was determined. The data were subjected to analysis of variance in the R environment using the F test at 5% probability. The oil content in the grains was determined by the traditional chemical method, and based on the NIR spectral signature of the grain samples, partial least squares regression (PLS-R) was established to estimate the oil content in the canola grains. The sowing dates influenced the production components and oil content of the grains of all hybrids. The trait number of grains in five plants (0.6857) and their height (0.4943) had greater estimates of positive correlations with grain yield, as well as higher values of positive direct effects on yield (0.2494 and 0.1595, respectively). The NIR technique combined with PLS-R was able to predict the oil content in the grains, resulting in good predictive models (R2 of 0.86 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.56 in external validation).

Nitrogen isotope discrimination in open-pollinated and hybrid canola suggests indirect selection for enhanced ammonium utilization.

Nitrogen isotope discrimination (Δ15N) may have utility as an indicator of nitrogen use in plants. A simple Δ15N-based isotope mass balance (IMB) model has been proposed to provide estimates of efflux/influx (E/I) ratios across root plasma membranes, the proportion of inorganic nitrogen assimilation in roots (P root) and translocation of inorganic nitrogen to shoots (Ti/Tt) under steady-state conditions. We used the IMB model to investigate whether direct selection for yield in canola (Brassica napus L.) has resulted in indirect selection in traits related to nitrogen use. We selected 23 canola lines developed from 1942 to 2017, including open-pollinated (OP) lines developed prior to 2005 as well as more recent commercial hybrids (CH), and in three separate experiments grew them under hydroponic conditions in a greenhouse with either 0.5 mM ammonium, 0.5 mM nitrate, or 5 mM nitrate. Across all lines, E/I, Proot and Ti/Tt averaged 0.09±0.03, 0.82±0.05 and 0.23±0.06 in the low nitrate experiment, and 0.31±0.06, 0.71±0.07 and 0.42±0.12 in the high nitrate experiment, respectively. In contrast, in the ammonium experiment average E/I was 0.40±0.05 while Ti/Tt averaged 0.07±0.04 and Proot averaged 0.97±0.02. Although there were few consistent differences between OP and CH under nitrate nutrition, commercial hybrids were collectively better able to utilize ammonium as their sole nitrogen source, demonstrating significantly greater overall biomass and a lower Proot and a higher Ti/Tt, suggesting a somewhat greater flux of ammonium to the shoot. Average root and whole-plant Δ15N were also slightly higher in CH lines, suggesting a small increase in E/I. An increased ability to tolerate and/or utilize ammonium in modern canola hybrids may have arisen under intensive mono-cropping.

Consequences of pollinator availability and effectiveness for pollen transfer in a gynodioecious seed crop system

Pollinator availability and effectiveness are important considerations in plant systems that depend on insect transfer of pollen. In mixed-flower systems (such as dioecious or gynodioecious systems), pollinators may distinguish between morphs, a behaviour which could have negative implications if it leads to reduced cross-pollination. We examined pollinator visitation, response, and effectiveness in hybrid canola seed production, a gynodioecious crop, to understand how pollinator behaviour contributes to cross-pollination between ‘male’ (hermaphroditic) and ‘female’ (male-sterile) morphs. The pollinator types found in these fields differ in visitation rate, size, and pollen load, factors that may affect pollen transfer between plants. The willingness of pollinators to move between male and female flowers can also affect pollen deposition. We used an interview bouquet to present unvisited female inflorescences to different pollinator types visiting male and female flowers to understand behavioural responses to floral morphs and the factors that contribute to better pollination effectiveness. Managed pollinators (honey and leafcutter bees) were far more abundant than wild pollinators in this system. Bees foraging on male flowers were less likely to accept a proffered female flower than those foraging on female flowers. Pollen deposition on stigmas was influenced by pollinator type (female leafcutter bees were the most effective) and increased with time spent on a flower. Pollinators transferring from a male flower to a female flower deposited more pollen than those that originated on female flowers, emphasizing the importance of transfer between male and female morphs. Surprisingly, pollinators carrying more pollen transferred less pollen to recipient stigmas.

Consumption of Supplemental Spring Protein Feeds by Western Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies: Effects on Colony Growth and Pollination Potential.

Adequate nutrition is required to support productive honey bee colonies, therefore beekeepers supplement colonies with additional protein at targeted time points. We tested the effects of commercially available protein feeds in spring, in advance of colonies being used for hybrid canola pollination. The feed treatments across the three-year study included the following patty types: Global 15% pollen, Global 0% pollen, Bee Pollen-Ate, FeedBee, and Healthy Bees, as well as an unsupplemented control in year two of the study only. The amount of feed consumed varied among colonies, treatments, date, and year. Similarly, there were also differences in feed efficiency (bees reared per gram of feed consumed), likely due to the relative availability of external forage sources to supplement the feed provided. Unsupplemented colonies were able to rear less brood, and subsequently had fewer adult bees than supplemented colonies, in an apiary where pollen was not abundant. Differences in consumption among treatments often failed to translate in to differences in amount of brood reared or subsequent adult population. All the protein feed treatments contained all ten amino acids essential to honey bees, however lysine and arginine were below the optimal proportion required for growth in all patties except the FeedBee patty. The amount of protein and amount and types of sugars and fats in the products also varied among product type and batch. The results of this study demonstrate a benefit to supplementary spring protein feeding to increase honey bee colony populations in advance of a summer pollination market.

Does the application of herbicides with distinct mechanisms of action change enzymatic activity and grain yield of Clearfield® canola?

Herbicides have a high potential for phytotoxicity and generate oxidative stress, even on tolerant crops. The canola hybrid Hyola 571 CL obtained through Clearfield® technology shows tolerance to imidazolinones. Given the importance of this hybrid, this work assessed the effect of using herbicides with different mechanisms of action on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, ALA-D, gas exchange, and grain yield of canola hybrid tolerant to imidazolinones. Treatments applied to Hyola 571 CL canola hybrid were: control without herbicides, diclosulam, imazaquim, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone + diuron pendimenthalin, flumioxazin, imazethapyr + imazapic, imazapic + imazapyr, imazethapyr, imazamox, nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, netsulfuron-methyl, iodosulfuron, and pyroxsulam. Seven, 14, 21, and 28 days after application we assessed herbicide phytotoxicity to canola. Antioxidant enzyme systems, variables related to plant physiology, and grain yield of Hyola 571 CL were also determined. It was observed that the hybrid, even tolerant, showed sensitivity to herbicides. Pendimethalin, flumioxazin, chlorimuron-ethyl, metsulfuron-methyl, and iodosulfuron were the most harmful to Hyola 571 CL. Commercial mixtures by [imazethapyr + imazapic] and [imazapic + imazapyr], as well as imazamox, were the most selective ones. Catalase was inhibited by most treatments. Sulfentrazone promoted the greatest negative interference along with its mixture with diuron and nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, and metsulfuron-methyl. The hybrid showed sensitivity to herbicides and the differences in gas exchange rates and other analyzes for the types of treatment do not result in productivity.

Nitrogen management strategies on plant growth and severities of Sclerotinia stem rot of canola in eastern Canada

Effective nitrogen (N) management strategies are important for ensuring a balance between optimizing plant growth and minimizing disease damage. A field experiment was conducted for three years to (i) assess the effects of N fertilizer application on the growth and seed yield of canola and severities of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), and (ii) to determine a reasonable N-rate for optimizing plant growth and minimizing the loss from SSR in eastern Canada. The experiment was designed with factorial combinations of eight N treatments and two canola hybrids. All N treatments reduced canola emergence with increasing preplant N application rates above 100 kg ha−1, but had a positive impact on plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and seed yield. The development of SSR showed differential responses to N application rates. Of all the treatments, the split application (50 kg N ha−1 at preplant plus 100 kg N ha−1 side-dressed at the 6-leaf stage) increased canola growth and often produced the highest or similar seed yields to those of equivalent N rate applied as preplant. At the 150 kg ha−1 N rate, no severe development of SSR was observed in either preplant-only or split application. Overall, this study demonstrates that the split-N management strategy (50 + 100 kg ha−1) maintained a balance between enhancing plant growth and mitigating the negative impacts of SSR on canola.

Competitive ability of canola (Brassica napus var. oleifera) hybrids with black oat (Avena strigosa) in a subtropical environment

The objective of this study was to assess the competitive ability of canola (Brassicanapus var. oleifera) hybrids in competition with black oat (Avena strigosa) in a subtropical environment. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse where canola hybrids ‘Hyola 61,’ ‘Hyola 76,’ ‘Hyola 433,’ and ‘Hyola 571’ were tested individually for their competitive performance with black oat. The plant proportion between black oat and the canola hybrid was changed (100%:0%; 75%:25%; 50%:50%; 25%:75%; and 0%:100%) while keeping the total population of plants constant (20 plants plot‑1). Photosynthesis rate (μmol m-2 s-1), internal CO2 concentration (μmol mol-1), and transpiration rate (mol H2O m-2 s-1) were assessed using an infrared gas analyzer 55 days after emergence. Leaf area (m2 m-2) and dry matter (g m-2) were also assessed on the same day. The data set was analyzed by the replacement series method for competition studies. There was evidence of intense competition between canola and black oat, independent of plant proportion. The competitive ability of canola was distinct among hybrids; Hyola 571 performed better than the others in the competition against black oat. Choosing the most competitive hybrid, such as Hyola 571, helps maintain high canola grain yield levels in areas infested with black oat. Highlights: There is difference in competition among canola hybrids against black oat; Hyola 571 performed better in the competition; Preference should be given for most competitive canola genotypes against weeds, and weed control should be carried out early in the critical period of interference; Aggressiveness is the most preponderant parameter in determining canola genotypes with superior ability in competition against weeds.

Tropicalization of canola: commercial hybrids show potential for cultivation in the Brazilian Cerrado

Canola is a potential feedstock for the production of biodiesel due to its high levels of energy efficiency. However, Brazil has not yet consolidated its production as typical of temperate regions. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of canola hybrids in the tropical conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado in order to select promising candidates to contribute to the expansion of canola culture in the country. Eight commercial canola hybrids were evaluated for seven agronomic traits, in three experiments with varying water conditions. The data obtained for each variable were subjected to joint analysis of variance and the averages compared using the Scott-Knott test. The grain yield of the evaluated hybrids was higher than the national average, which includes plantations only in the southern region. The hybrids that stood out in grain yield were Hyola 61 and Hyola 76 followed by Diamond, which besides presenting a high magnitude for this characteristic, was less precocious even in dry conditions. Due to its characteristics, the Diamond hybrid can be considered the best option to be inserted in the crop rotation system. These results are promising and reveal adaptation and cultivation potential of these hybrids in the Brazilian Cerrado. Highlights The yield of canola grains in the experiments was promising as the values ​​achieved were above the national average. Hyola 61, Hyola 76 and Diamond showed prominent grain yield in relation to the other hybrids investigated. Diamond presented high grain yield and shorter cycle, thus being considered the best option for the crop rotation system. For the Brazilian Cerrado, the hybrids Hyola 61, Hyola 76 and Diamond are valuable alternatives for planting.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Parent vs. Hybrid Canola under Varying Nitrogen Availabilities

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable agriculture, especially in high-N-demanding crops such as canola (Brassica napus). While advancements in above-ground agronomic practices have improved NUE, research on soil and below-ground processes are limited. Plant NUE—and its components, N uptake efficiency (NUpE), and N utilization efficiency (NUtE)—can be further improved by exploring crop variety and soil N cycling. Canola parental genotypes (NAM-0 and NAM-17) and hybrids (H151857 and H151816) were grown on a dark brown chernozem in Saskatchewan, Canada. Soil and plant samples were collected at the 5–6 leaf stage and flowering, and seeds were collected at harvest maturity. Soil N cycling varied with phenotypic stage, with higher potential ammonium oxidation rates at the 5–6 leaf stage and higher urease activity at flowering. Seed N uptake was higher under higher urea-N rates, while the converse was true for NUE metrics. Hybrids had higher yield, seed N uptake, NUtE, and NUE, with higher NUE potentially owing to higher NUtE at flowering, which led to higher yield and seed N allocation. Soil N cycling and soil N concentrations correlated for improved canola NUE, revealing below-ground breeding targets. Future studies should consider multiple root characteristics, including rhizosphere microbial N cycling, root exudates, and root system architecture, to determine the below-ground dynamics of plant NUE.

Interference and level of economic damage of turnip in canola

The weeds if not properly controlled have great ability to settle in agricultural systems, affecting crop production. The objective of this work was to determine the interference and level of economic damage in different density of crop. The treatments were composed of canola hybrids (Hyola 50, Hyola 76, Hyola 433, Hyola 571 CL, Hyola 575 CL and Diamond) and twelve infestation turnip density in crop. The variables evaluated to estimate the competitiveness of the hybrids were plant density, leaf area, soil cover and dry mass of the turnip. Grain yield, canola price, herbicide efficiency, and control cost were used to determine the weed's level of economic damage on the crop. The canola hybrids Hyola 575 CL, Hyola 50, Hyola 76 and Hyola 571 CL are more competitive with turnip. The values of economic damage levels range from 2.86 to 5.95, 2.43 to 5.05, 2.22 to 5.43 and 2.99 to 6.22 turnip plants m-2 for hybrids Hyola 50, Hyola 76, Hyola 571 CL and Hyola 575 CL, respectively, as a function of simulated variables. The increased grain yield, canola price, herbicide efficiency and lower control costs reduce the level of economic damage, justifying the adoption of control.

Selectivity and stability of herbicides, herbicide tank mixtures and herbicide combinations on seed yield of Clearfield oilseed canola (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract. During the period 2018-2020 a field experiment was carried out with the winter Clearfield oilseed canola hybrid Phoenix CL (Brassica napus L). Factor A included the years of investigation. Factor B included untreated control, 2 combined herbicides: Cleranda SC and Cleravo SC; 6 herbicide tank mixtures: Electron 500 SC + Maza 4 SL, Springbok + Maza 4 SL, Tanaris + Maza 4 SL, Butisan max + Maza 4 SL, Cliofar 600 SL + Maza 4 SL and Galera super + Maza 4 SL; 6 herbicide combinations: Caliph 480 ЕC + Maza 4 SL, Caliph mega + Maza 4 SL, Bismark CS + Maza 4 SL, Nero ЕC + Maza 4 SL, Brasan 540 EC + Maza 4 SL and Colsor trio ЕC + Maza 4 SL. Herbicides Cleranda, Cleravo and Maza were used in addition with adjuvant Dash HC. Foliar-applied herbicides were treated during 2-4 leaf canola stage. Soil-applied combined herbicides were treated during after sowing before emergence period of the canola. It was found that: (i) the highest seed yields are obtained by use of combined herbicide Cleranda, followed by herbicide tank mixture Electron + Maza and combined herbicide Cleravo; (ii) the high canola yields are also obtained by herbicide tank mixtures Butizan max + Maza, Springbok + Maza, Tanaris + Maza, as well as by herbicide combinations Caliph mega + Maza, Brasan + Maza, Bismarck + Maza; (iii) technologically the most valuable are combined herbicide Cleranda, followed by herbicide tank mixture Electron + Maza and combined herbicide Cleravo; (iv) in terms of technology for growing winter Clearfield oilseed canola, herbicide tank mixtures Springbok + Maza, Butisan max + Maza and Tanaris + Maza, as well as herbicide combinations Caliph mega + Maza, Bismar + Maza and, Nero + Maza get high rating; herbicide tank mixtures Cliofar + Maza and Galera super + Maza and herbicide combinations Caliph + Maza and Colsor trio + Maza get low rating.

Potential of rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) gene pool for use in the breeding of hybrid spring Brassica napus canola

AbstractThe use of rutabaga for increasing the level of heterosis in spring canola was investigated. For this, test hybrids were produced by crossing four inbred populations, derived from F2 and BC1 of two rutabaga × spring canola crosses, to their spring canola parent, and were tested in field‐plots for agronomic and seed quality traits. Average mid‐parent heterosis (MPH) in these test hybrid populations was about 5%‐15% for yield. Compared to the F2‐derived population, the BC1‐derived population exhibited 1.8‐times greater MPH for yield. No correlation was found between inbred and test hybrid for yield; however, a positive correlation of genetic diversity of the inbred lines was found with MPH (r = .58) and hybrid yield (r = .36) suggesting that non‐additive effect of the genes may play an important role for high yield in hybrids. About 2% negative MPH was found for days to flowering, while almost no heterosis was found for seed oil and protein contents. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of the rutabaga gene pool for use in hybrid canola breeding.

Effect of seeding date on winter canola (Brassica napus L.) yield and oil quality in southern Ontario

Winter canola or winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is not commonly grown in Canada. While winter oilseed rape is the dominant growth form in Europe, Canadian canola production is dominated by spring types in western Canada. Research conducted in the 1980s indicated that the environmental conditions in southern Ontario are well suited to the production of winter canola. Since then, however, interest in the crop has ebbed, and little to no research has been conducted on the agronomic issues that potentially limit its adoption in the province. The objective of this research was to identify an optimal seeding date for winter canola in southern Ontario. Three winter canola hybrids were evaluated across five seeding dates, ranging from early September to late October. The results established the first two weeks of September as the optimal seeding period for winter canola in southern Ontario. Seeding winter canola during this period, such that greater than 600 growing degree days could be accumulated before the first fall frost, not only reduced winterkill to approximately 20%, but also maximized yield potential and ensured optimal oil quality. Winter canola showed great potential for production in southern Ontario, and its addition to current crop rotations would diversify and enhance crop production practices in this portion of the province.

Classification of canola seed varieties based on multi-feature analysis using computer vision approach

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the potential of the computer vision (CV) approach to classify eight canola varieties. The input images of eight canola varieties were CON-I, CON-II, CON-III, Pakola, Canola Raya, Rainbow, PARC Canola Hybrid, and Tarnab-III. A digital camera acquired these images on an open sunny day without any complex laboratory setup. First-order histogram features, second-order statistical texture features, binary features, spectral features of three bands were, blue (B), green (G), and red (R), were employed in the artificial neural network (ANN). A 10-fold stratified cross-validation method was used for classification. The best results with accuracy ranging from 95% to 98% observed when the data of regions of interest (512 × 512) deployed to the classifier.

Change in sowing date combined with water stress affects canola seed oil and fatty acid ‎composition

To study the effect of sowing date and water stress on qualitative traits of canola, an experiment was conducted for two years in Iran. The sowing date and irrigation were in two levels as the main factors, and five canola cultivars and hybrids were included as the subfactors. In normal sowing date and normal irrigation conditions, The Tassilo hybrid with a high seed yield and seed oil yield (6139 and 2905 kg ha-1, respectively) can be effective in the cultivation of canola in temperate cold regions with dry and semi-arid climates. In the conditions of delayed cultivation and late season drought stress, the same hybrid with the highest seed yield and seed oil yield (2935 and 1273 kg ha-1, respectively) and the least amount of erucic acid (0.4%) and glucosinolate content (22.9 μmol g-1) is recommended for the delayed cultivation conditions together with late season drought stress.