Camelina Yield and Yield Components in Response to Seeding Density.

Poor stand establishment is a significant constraint to camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.) production. Research has shown that while higher seeding rates can improve plant stand, corresponding increases in seed yield are not always observed. Camelina plants may compensate for variations in stand densities through alterations in raceme, pod, seed number and/or seed weight; however the interaction among these yield components has not been widely studied. In 2009, field trials were conducted at Kalispell, MT and Bozeman, MT to determine the effect of seeding density on camelina seed yield and yield components. Twelve camelina genotypes were evaluated at three seeding densities (2.2, 4.5 and 6.7 kg ha^-1) using a split-plot design in a randomized complete block arrangement with four replications. Stand density, plant height, time to flowering and maturity, seed oil content, seed yield and yield component data were collected. Camelina performed similarly at both locations, with seed yield averaging 2602 kg ha^-1 at Bozeman and 2554 kg ha^-1 at Kalispell. Seeding density did not affect camelina plant height, time to flowering and maturity, oil content or seed yield at either location. Across densities racemes plant^-1 showed a strong, positive effect on seed yield plant^-1. At Bozeman under high density seed weight exerted a significant positive effect on yield plant^-1, which was compensated by a negative effect of pods raceme^-1 on yield plant^-1. Seed weight had a similar effect at Kalispell under low density, but in this case the compensation mechanism involved pods raceme^-1 and seeds pod^-1. Yield in camelina appeared to be defined primarily by the ability of the plant to develop reproductive branches, and the plant exerted differential mechanisms of compensation to variations in plant density which seemed to be strongly influenced by environmental factors.