ARS | Publication request: Dynamics of reproductive growth of Lesquerella (Physaria fendleri) over different planting dates

Submitted to: Industrial Crops and Products
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 24, 2011
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
Citation: Dierig, D.A., Wang, G., Crafts-Brandner, S.J. 2012. Dynamics of reproductive growth of Lesquerella (Physaria fendleri) over different planting dates. Industrial Crops and Products. 35:146-153.

Interpretive Summary: Information is lacking on how an oilseed crop such as lesquerella develops seed yields and the effect of planting at different times of year. We counted and weighed buds, flowers, and seed pods, and measured the dry weight of plants over the growing seasons. This was done at three different planting times over three years including fall, winter and spring plantings. We found that fall plantings produced more reproductive structures than winter or spring because of the longer growing season and the more favorable temperatures. The other planting times could still be an option when considering the reduced field costs for inputs such as irrigation and herbicides needed. This information will be helpful to decide where and when to plant the crop on a commercial scale.

Technical Abstract: Vegetative and reproductive development information of lesquerella (Physaria fendleri), a new oilseed crop targeted for bio-products, is important to understand especially in the early commercialization stage of this new crop. We determined the effect of fall, winter, and spring planting dates over three years on the ontogeny of the crop including biomass, floral buds, flowers, and siliques. Fall plantings always produced more than the other plantings due to the extended season. Winter and spring plantings had less biomass and produced fewer buds, flowers, and siliques. The compensation of lower crop management costs and a shorter growing season could make winter a viable option for planting in the southwest. Spring planting could become viable if seed shatter due to summer rains could be reduced. The information will help decide growing regions suitable for crop production and determine what reproductive stages could be manipulated to improve seed yields.