Open-pollinated Canola Research Articles

Competitive ability of hybrid and open-pollinated canola (Brassica napus) with wild oat (Avena fatua)

The competitiveness of three hybrid and three open-pollinated canola cultivars against two wild oat populations was determined under controlled environment conditions at two plant densities and five canola:wild oat ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100). Analysis of replacement series and derivation of relative crowding coefficients (RCC), based on shoot dry weight or leaf area, indicated that hybrid canola cultivars were twice as competitive than open-pollinated cultivars when weed interference was relatively high (i.e., high plant density and vigorous wild oat growth). Little difference in competitiveness among cultivar types was apparent when weed interference was lower. The results of this study suggest that hybrid canola cultivars may be best suited for use in an integrated weed management program, particularly for farmers of organic or low input cropping systems. Key words: Hybrid canola, Brassica napus, Avena fatua, replacement series, competition

Canola pollination: an update

This update highlights what is currently known about nectar and pollen production of hybrid and open-pollinated canola and rapeseed cultivars and varieties, the activities of foraging insects, specifically honey bees (Apis mellifera), on the flowers and pollinator requirements for seed production. Readers can also find further information in previous reviews92,93 and several excellent books27,49,97,98.