Effect of sowing dates and direct seeding and transplanting methods on agronomic characteristics, and grain yield of canola under Ahvaz conditions

Direct seeding of canola after summer crops has not proved to be suitable, because of low establishment. This experiment was carried out in order to compare of direct seeding and transplanting methods of canola hybrid Hayola 308 in Khuzestan agricultral research center during 2002 and 2003 cropping cycles. A strip plot arrangement in randomized complete block design was used, with 5 planting dates (Oct, 10 and 20, Nov.1, 10and 20) as horizontal plots and two direct seeding and transplanting methods as vertical plots. Means comparision showed that 40 days delay in sowing date lead to increasing of 3.5 days of sowing to germination interval and 11.4 and 33.0 days in flowering and maturity respectively. It also decreaed pods per plants by 35.9, grains per pods by 2.7, grain yield to 1762.5 kg/ha and oil yield to 938 kg/ha. The transplanting method increased duration to flowering by 1.9 days, pods per plant 57.2 and grains per pod by 1.4, grain yield by 492 kg/ha and oil yield by 162.6 kg/ha. The interaction between sowing dates and planting methods showed that there are significant differences interactions between direct seeding and transplanting methods specially in late sowing dates. Considering economic yield, planting date of canola is recommended from Oct.10 to Nov. 1. Using transplanting method Nov. 10 until Nov. 20 would be suitable. In addition, transplanting method of canola is recommended for recovering the no or low established patches in the field.