Planting density and fertilisation independently affect seed and oil yields inPlukenetia volubilisL. plants

Vegetative and Reproductive Growth and Yield of Plukenetia volubilis Plants in Responses to Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators

“…The fruit yield was relatively low in GA 3 , KIN, and IAA treatments although they had relatively large seed size. Therefore, the increased fruit numbers per unit area, rather than fruit or seed size, was largely responsible for the influences of PGRs on the total fruit yield of P. volubilis plants, which was consistent with the result of our previous studies (Jiao et al, 2012;Yang et al, 2014). On the other hand, Ozer (2003) suggested that seed size is another primary factor that determined the seed yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus).…”

“…It is likely that increased abiotic stress during the seedfilling period resulted in seeds with a reduced oil content (Rotundo and Wesgate, 2009). Contrary to our previous research that seed size and seed oil content had a relatively high and constant heritability in P. volubilis plants in response to agricultural management practices, such as water, fertilization, and planting density (Jiao et al, 2012;Yang et al, 2014), PGRs significantly affected seed size (i.e., weight) and seed oil content, with the large seed size being observed in GA 3 , KIN, and IAA treatments, whereas high seed oil content was found in ABA and SA treatments across different sampling date. Because of an essential role in seed development (Singh All the PGRs we used increased the total fruit yield (by 4.3% to 15.2%) and total seed oil yield (by 4.9% to 24.9%) of P. volubilis plants throughout a growing season as compared with control, with maximum increase being observed in ABA and SA treatments followed by KIN, IAA, and GA 3 , respectively ( Fig.…”

“…Fruits start to ripe to a dark brown color in early January, and the fruit ripening peak period occurred in March and April (cf. Yang et al, 2014).…”

“…The field experimental design took the form of randomized complete blocks in 2 m • 10 m sized plots with three replicates for each PGR treatment. Fertilization rates were assigned to the plots and consisted of 150 kg • ha -1 of a 1:1:1 (w/w/w) mix of N-P-K spread in 1.0-m-wide zone in June 2012 (Yang et al, 2014). The plants were sprayed once every 2 weeks with 50 mM GA 3 , IAA (Sigma, St. Louis, MO), KIN (N 6 -furfuryladenine), SA, ABA, or distilled water (control) at the rate of 200 mL per plant, respectively, from early Dec. 2012 to late Apr.…”

“…Although the composition and properties of P. volubilis seeds are well known, it is important to increase the fruit or seed yield and oil content for its oil production. In our previous research, the processes of seed oil quantity and quality formation of P. volubilis plants are highly variable and depend on environmental conditions and suitable agricultural management practices (Cai, 2011;Cai et al, 2012;Jiao et al, 2012;Yang et al, 2014). One of the potential approaches to improve agronomic productivity is to manipulate the physiology of plants by application of PGRs as observed in some annual and perennial oilseed crops (Abdelgadir et al, 2010;Day, 2000;Ghosh et al, 1991;Prat et al, 2008).…”