Planting Method and Seeding Date Affects Winter Camelina Establishment and Yield.

Previous studies have shown Camelina sativa to be an alternative dryland oil-seed crop for partial replacement of summer fallow in wheat production systems in the Northern Great Plains. Due to the small seed size, camelina is often planted at shallow depths. Seeding equipment type can alter seed placement, soil growing conditions and reduce the vulnerability of seedlings to inclement weather conditions. We studied winter camelina seedling emergence, stand establishment and seed yield as affected by planting method and planting date. Regardless of planting date, seedling emergence and stand establishment was significantly greater in the hoe drill than disc drill plots. Seeding beyond October 16 resulted in poor emergence and stand establishment. Among the two winter camelina varieties studied, BSX-WGI outperformed Bison. Greater seed yields were obtained when camelina was planted with the hoe drill method. Based on our preliminary data, hoe drill provides a better option for seeding winter camelina.