Effect of mineral nitrogen rates, bio-fertilization and zn on productivity and quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Two field experiments were carried out at Agricultural Research Farm of Soil Water and Environment lnst. Res. Agric., Giza, Egypt (30"01'14.6"N 31"12'41.1"E) during two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to study the effect of mineral nitrogen, bio-fertilization and Zn individually and together on yield and yield component of canola (Brassica napus L.) c. v. Serw 4. The experiments were conducted in split-split plot designs with three replicates. Treatments consisted of three levels of mineral nitrogen (50, 75, and 100% of its recommended dose (RD) i.e. 30kg N/fed), two levels of bio-fertilizer treatments (without and with inoculation) containing mixture of Azotobacter and Azospirillum and two levels of elemental zinc (0 and 0.3gZn/L). The results indicated that there are a significant increases in height of plant, number of pods/plant, pods weight/plant, seeds weight/plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, protein content, protein and oil yield. As a result of mineral N application, plots that received highest dose of N (30kgN/fed.) obtained maximum height of plant, number of pods/plant, 1 000-seed weight and seed yield. Protein content of 26. 14% and 18.98 % •were detected at high and low N rates, respectively. Under high N rate, the lowest oil content (41.31%) was observed. In contrast, highest oil contents were found for lowest N rate plots (44.28%). Inoculation of canola seed by N2-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter and Azospirillum ) significantly increased yield and its components compared with the uninoculated treatments. Zinc treatments increased all the tested growth parameters as compared to control plants. Results emphasize that N fertilization rates 75or100% of RD, bio-fertilization and Zn significantly influenced on the productivity of oil seeds rape and their interactions. So, it is suggested to use a combination of inorganic fertilizer and bio-fertilization to achieve the highest yield without a negative effect on seed quality that will lead to sustainable environment. Key words: Bio-fertilizer, Canola, Growth parameters, Nitrogen, Oil and Protein content, Zinc.

Summary in Arabic.

1