Seeding Rates for Precision Seeded Canola.

Non-uniform distribution of seedlings can reduce canola yield potential at low plant densities compared to a uniform distribution.  Thus if producers can consistently achieve a uniform seedling distribution they can target lower plant populations and reduce seeding rates reducing input costs.  SeedMaster proposes that its UltraPro canola meter can seed canola more uniformly allowing producers to significantly reduce seeding rates while maintaining yield potential.  The objectives of this experiment is to determine if the UltraPro canola roller produces more uniform canola seed placement than conventional rollers and if this more uniform plant distribution has the potential for allowing lower canola seeding rates.  Treatments included a factorial arrangement of seeding rates (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 seeds m^-2) applied with the traditional Valmar and SeedMaster’s UltraPro roller.  Trials were conducted at Scott, Melfort, Indian Head and Redvers Saskatchewan in 2012-2014.  On average, seeding rate was the only factor to significantly affect plant density, maturity and seed yield; there were no differences in plant density, seed yield or maturity between the rollers at any level of seeding rate.  Although there appeared to be more uniform distribution of seedlings, on average, with the UltraPro roller than the Valmar at 10-40 seeds m^-2 seeding rates, this did not translate into improvements in seed yield.  Variability in seedling distance disappeared when assessed in the fall plant, likely due to the “self-thinning” nature of canola.