Cycocel priming and foliar application affect yield components of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract

A factorial based on RCBD experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of priming and foliar spray of cycocel on rapeseed yield components. Treatments were included; seed priming (0, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 μM) and foliar spray (0, 600, 1200 μM) with cycocel at development stage of flower buds. The results revealed that seed priming with cycocel significantly increased emerged plant number per plot, silique dry weight in the main stems and branches, plant dry weight, branches number, silique number in the main stems and branches, seed number in branches, 1000 seeds weight, and seed yield in non-stress conditions. Foliar application with cycocel also increased plant dry weight, 1000 seeds weight in branches, harvest index and seed yield. Moreover, interaction effect of priming and foliar application of cycocel increased plant dry weight and 1000 seeds weight with branches. CCC foliar application during the early stages of reproductive stage went to elevated plant dry weight and 1000 seeds weight in auxiliary branches and, also increased harvest index and grain yield. Mean comparison and interaction effects of traits also revealed that, appropriate levels of CCC had the meaningful effects on any agronomic and physiological trait. However, the most meaningful impact in most traits was traced in case with primed seed with 900 and 1500 μM CCC. Overall, owing to the present data, CCC priming under both normal and harsh conditions may raise the germination related traits, seedling establishment, plant growth and ultimately may goes to increased yield.