Relationship of growth parameters and nutrients uptake with canola (Brassica napus L.) yield and yield contribution...

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different nutrients on canola (Brassica napus L.) growth parameters, nutrient uptake and ultimately on seed yield. For this purpose a split plot experimental design, with 10 treatments in 4 replications was carried out in 2004-2005, in silt-clay soil at Baiecola Agricultural Research Station, Mazandaran Iran. Canola seed yield, growth parameters (CGR, LAI, RGR and NAR), dry matter accumulation and HI and nutrient content of the leaf were examined. NPK fertilizers together with S and Zn, singly or in combination were applied. The results showed that at treatments T5 (NP), T8 (NPK), T9 (NPKS) and T10 (NPKZn) the higher seed yield (> 2600 kg ha(-1)) coincided with TDM > 880 g m(-2) the peak CGR > or = 13.9 g m(-2) day(-1) and the maximum LAI > or = 4.1. The higher seed yield at T5, T8, T9 and T10 coincided with higher concentrations of nutrients: N, P, K, S and Zn in leaf at flowering having > or = 3.40%, > or = 0.25%, > or = 1.53%, > or = 110 ppm and > or = 22.7 ppm, indicating substantial levels of translocation of nutrients at various stages of plant growth and higher number of pods per plant (> or = 179). Combined application of NPKZn at T10 resulted in maximum seed yield (3090 kg ha(-1)), coinciding with the maximum number of pods per plant (230), maximum TDM (1043 kg ha(-1)), maximum CGR (20.09 g m(-2) day(-1)) and maximum LAI (4.69).