Response of Brassica napus L. genotypes to nitrogen fertilization in a newly-reclaimed soil

The effect of 4 levels of nitrogen (i.e., 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) and/or 5 genotypes (i.e., P1; 35/9, P2; 26/18, P3; Duplo, P4; Drakkar and P5; Hanna) on growth, seed oil and protein contents, and seed yield of canola (Brassica napus L.) was investigated in two seasons; 2010/11 and 2011/12. The experimental arrangement was split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Canola genotypes were a main factor, while sub-main factor was nitrogen levels. Results showed that plant height, height to the first lateral branch, number of branches and pods plant-1, seed yield plant-1 and yields of seed, oil and protein ha-1 as well as seed oil and protein % were positively affected by genotypes and/or nitrogen levels. The P1 line was correlated with obtaining the highest values of all yields and yield attributes in both seasons followed by P2 line then P5 variety. Nitrogen fertilization positively reflected in growth, yield and yield attributes over two growing seasons. These traits revealed a respective increase due to the increase in N fertilization from zero to 180 kg ha-1. Therefore, P1 line with 180 kg N ha-1 could be recommended to obtain better growth and seed yield under newly-reclaimed sandy soil.

Keywords:

Nitrogen , Brassica napus , Protein content , Yield