Spring Canola Performance in the Central Great Plains.

To determine adaptability of spring canola (Brassica napus L.) to the High Plains as oil seed crop, 26 trials were conducted from 2005 to 2008. Trials were divided into five regions: 1. 36-37N 108W, 2. 39-40N 101-103W, 3. 41-42N 102-103W, 4. 41-42N104W, and 5. 44N 106-108W. Cultural practices were based on site-specific protocols. Four standard cultivars, Hyola 357 Magnum, Hyola 401, SW Marksman, and SW Patriot, were planted in replicated plots in April or May under standard irrigation and harvested in July to September. Hyola 401 and Hyola 357 Magnum were the highest yielding cultivars across the five regions and within Regions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Regions 1, 2 and 3 yielded significantly greater than did Regions 4 and 5. Except in Region 2, the four cultivars had greater than 35% oil content, and SW Marksman and SW Patriot had the highest. The highest oil content was achieved in Regions 1, 4 and 5. Samples from 18 trials were examined for their fatty acid distribution. Canola oil is high in oleic (C18:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2), which are commonly used for food and industrial purposes. Across and within regions, the percent of oleic acid did not differ for the four cultivars. The mean content of C18:1 oils increased going north from Region 1 to Region 5, inversely to yield in the High Plains. Considering yield and oil quality together growing spring canola in the Nebraska Panhandle may be the best location in the High Plains.