Summary
In this 2013 trial:
- Roundup Ready varieties GT Viper and Hyola 404 Roundup Ready (RR) and open pollinated hybrid Hyola 450 Triazine Tolerant (TT) had lower economic optimum plant densities than open pollinated TT ATR Stingray.
- Both RR and TT groups provided an effective weed management in this trial.
Background
The canola industry in Western Australia is expanding in low rainfall areas. Primarily, growers choose open pollinated TT varieties. However breeding companies are favouring the development of hybrids in order to pay for breeding services. Hybrids provide growers with more vigorous seedlings, comparatively better plant establishment and generally higher yields. However growers have to purchase new seed of hybrid varieties every year in order to get these potential yield benefits. Seed for hybrid canola is approximately 25 times more expensive than the seed of open pollinated canola. Growers deciding to plant hybrid varieties may wish to minimise seed costs by sowing at low densities.
Aim
To investigate the plant density response to yield and oil content of TT and RR hybrid canola in comparison with open-pollinated canola.