Adaptive value of conventional rapeseed cultivars in organic and conventional cultivation environments

Abstract

Rapeseed is one of the major oil crops, grown in various environments. Interest in organic rapeseed is rising, with increasing importance to breeders to determine the need for specific organic breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the adaptive value of conventionally developed rapeseed cultivars in organic cultivation environments. Five winter rapeseed cultivars were grown in conventional and organic plots, each with three sowing dates and four replications. The trials were organized in a randomized block design and the effect of cultivar and farming system on emergence, survival rate, yield, oil and protein content was evaluated. Locally recommended agricultural practices were used to keep the fields free from weeds, insects and diseases. In organic field, weeds were removed mechanically while insects were treated with an insecticide used for organic production. The seed samples for analysis of oil and protein content were taken during harvest.