Evaluation of some hybrids of canola in function of sowing dates in Viosa, MG, Brazil

Abstract

The canola constitutes an excellent option for cultivation in winter in Brazil, besides being an alternative for the production of biodiesel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenological characteristics of hybrid canola sown at different dates in Viçosa, MG. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of Horta Velha, belonging to the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). Seeds of four hybrids of canola: Hyola 432, 433, 401 and 61 were used. From 26 May, 2009 was held the first sowing date and the other every 15 days, a total of four sowing dates. Seedling emergence (%), duration of the vegetative phase (days), duration of flowering stage (days), number of days to the end of flowering, number of days from emergence to maturity (total cycle), bedding plants (%) and disease reaction (%) were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized block in factorial arrangement with four replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test (p<0.01). The results showed that Viçosa (MG) have promising characteristics for growing canola. The most suitable time for sowing canola corresponds to the month of May. Hyola 61 is the hybrid that, presents faster seedling emergence and uniform, is the material that showed greater adaptation to the region of Viçosa, based on all traits, regardless of sowing dates. The delay of sowing decreased the duration of the vegetative and reproductive phases, the days to the end of flowering and duration of emergence to maturity (total cycle) for all hybrids. Variables lodging and disease reaction of canola plants were not affected by local conditions and factors considered in this experiment.   Key words: Brassica napus L., development cycle, phenology, management, tropicalization, adaptability, Viçosa (MG).