Field evaluation of early maturing oilseed sunflower double-cropped after winter camelina

Authors: Gesch, Russell - Russ; Hulke, Brent; Anderson, James

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In the northern Great Plains and upper Midwestern U.S., incorporation of winter-hardy crops and cover crops as components of integrated weed management systems is gaining popularity as an approach for managing the spread of herbicide resistance. However, to develop new rotational cropping systems suitable to these regions there is a need for major commodities, such as early maturing sunflower, that can be relay- or double-cropped with economically-viable winter cash crops and/or cover crops. Because relay- and double-cropping often require delayed planting dates, these early maturing commodities also need to maintain acceptable yields under the dryer and warmer late season growing conditions. The identification of early maturing oilseed sunflower varieties with high omega 3 fatty acid profiles opens opportunities for developing new rotational multi-cropping systems suitable for the northern Great Plains and upper Midwestern regions that additionally provide ecosystem services. Preliminary studies demonstrated that double cropping early maturing sunflower after the harvest of winter camelina in Morris, MN, in 2018 reduced seed yield from 3400 kg/ha to approximately 1700 kg/ha compared to conventionally mono-cropped sunflower. However, one also needs to consider the value-added ecosystem benefits and value of the oilseed harvested from the winter cash crop. Outcomes from a two-year study conducted in Morris, MN, will be presented.