Rapeseed adaptation trials in Cyprus.
1988
Hadjichristodoulou A.
Variety and spacing trials, and observations on sowing date of rapeseed were conducted during the period 1984-8 under rainfed conditions or with supplementary irrigation. Average grain yields of Brassica napus varieties were as high as 3.4 t/ha and in some favourable environments were even higher (5.9 t/ha). All varieties flowered in March and matured by late May. They were tall (150 cm) and produced small grains (2-3 mg), of 67-79 kg/hl volume weight, 36-40% oil content and 24-25% crude protein content. It is expected that rapeseed will produce 1.3 t/ha of seed oil, and 2.2 t/ha of meal as a by-product, which is a high protein (40%) livestock feed. Brassica campestris varieties were earlier but gave lower yields than B. napus varieties. Populations of 38-130 plants per m2 gave similar yields. Irrigation increased yields. It is concluded that rapeseed can be successfully grown in Cyprus because it matures before the onset of drought in late spring-early summer. Sowing must be done in November. Late and tall varieties producing large grains gave the highest yields. Breeding must aim to produce varieties with a short period at the rosette stage, in order to reduce competition by weeds.
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