The growth stages, yield and yield components of Camelina sativa affected by drought stress, planting date and row spacing in semi-arid conditions of Iran

Abstract

Finding the optimum crop production parameters to enhance the growth and yield of an industrial crop (Camelina Sativa L.) under water scarce conditions is of great significance. The objective was to investigate the effects of drought stress (S), planting date (D) and row spacing (R) on growth stages and yield of camelina in a two-year field experiment. The research was split plot factorial on the basis of complete randomized block design with three replicates. Different plant morphological properties, yield and yield components and the periods of different growth stages were determined. The experimental treatments significantly affected the measured parameters and row spacing was a more effective treatment than planting date. Control (without stress) treatment resulted in the highest 1000-grain weight (1.17 g), at the highest row spacing. However, stress conditions and later planting significantly decreased 1000-grain weight (0.69 g). Similarly, the control and the stress treatments resulted in the highest (1028.87 kg ha^-1) and least yield (301.89 kg ha^-1), and less row spacing decreased yield. Stress prolonged the period of germination and with increasing stress and D and R levels, the periods of different growth stages decreased. There were significant and positive correlations among the measured parameters. In both years, D1 and R3 resulted in the highest grain yield and components at S3. The use of appropriate agronomical practices, especially proper row spacing may alleviate the unfavorable effects of drought stress on camelina growth and yield up to some level.