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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Functional Foods Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #244314
Title: Evaluation of Spring Canola as a potential alternative crop in the Central Great Plains of the U.S.A.

Author
item PAVLISTA, A - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item SANTRA, D - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item HERGERT, G - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item BALTENSPERGER, D - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item ISBELL, TERRY

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2009
Publication Date: 11/14/2009
Citation: Pavlista, A.D., Santra, D.K., Hergert, G.H., Baltensperger, D.D., Isbell, T. 2009. Evaluation of Spring Canola as a potential alternative crop in the Central Great Plains of the U.S.A. [abstract]. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference. p. 12.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: To determine the adaptability of Spring Canola (Brassica napus L.) to the High Plains as an oil seed crop, 26 trials were conducted from 2005 to 2008. Trials were divided into five regions: (1.) 36-37N 108W, (2.) 39-40N 101-103W, (3.) 41-42N 102-103W, (4.) 41-42N104W, and (5.) 44N 106-108W. Cultural practices were based on site-specific protocols. Four standard cultivars, Hyola 357 Magnum, Hyola 401, SW Marksman, and SW Patriot, were planted in replicated plots in April or May under standard irrigation, and harvested in July to September. Hyola 401 and Hyola 357 Magnum were the highest yielding cultivars across the five regions and within Regions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Regions 1, 2 and 3 yielded significantly greater yield than did Regions 4 and 5. In Region 2, however, the four cultivars had greater than 35% oil content, and SW Marksman and SW Patriot had the highest. The highest oil content was achieved in Regions 1, 4 and 5. Samples from 18 trials were examined for their fatty acid distribution. Canola oil is high in oleic (C18:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2), which are commonly used for food and industrial purposes. Across and within regions, the percent of oleic acid did not differ for the four cultivars. The mean content of C18:1 oils increased going north from Region 1 to Region 5, inversely, to yield in the High Plains. Considering yield and oil quality together, growing spring canola in the Nebraska Panhandle may be the best location in the High Plains.