Nitrogen levels and shoots cutting influenced on oil contents, yield and yield attributes of Canola

The performance of canola (Brassica napus L.) was evaluated using various nitrogen levels and shoots cutting at New Developmental Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during Rabi 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having four replications each. Nitrogen levels @ 0, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha were allotted to main plots, while shoots cutting i.e. 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm were allotted to sub plots. Results showed that nitrogen application had significantly affected all studied parameters. Plots treated with 100 kg N ha produced maximum seeds pod (23), 1000 seeds weight (3.59g), seed yield (1169 kg ha), oil contents (49%), oil yield (600 kg ha) and harvest index (14%) as compared with control plots. Shoots cutting had significantly affected all the parameters except harvest index. Shoots cut with 20 cm had significantly maximum oil content (50%), seed yield (1092 kg ha) and oil yield (568 kg ha) as compared with other shoots cuts, but no cut plots produced maximum seeds pod (21), 1000 seeds weight (3.3g) and seed yield is statistically at par with 20 cm shoots cut plots. Interaction between nitrogen levels and shoots cutting revealed that plots treated with 100 kg N ha with no cut or 20 cm shoots cut had maximum seeds pod, 1000 seed weight, oil content (%), seed yield and oil yield. It was concluded from the present results that supplied nitrogen @ 100 kg ha with no cut or 20 cm shoots cut seems to be the best choice for canola producer in the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar valley.