The pollination requirements of swede rape (Brassica napus L.) and of turnip rape (Brassica campestris L.)

Abstract

The pollination requirements of eight cultivars of swede rape (Brassica napus) and two of turnip rape (Brassica campestris) grown in a glasshouse, were compared. Cultivars differed in the number of pods, and of seeds per pod set by auto-pollination. Cultivars of turnip rape yielded more when cross-pollinated than when self-pollinated by hand but those of swede rape did not, although additional pollination of swede rape increased the set of early flowers. Inadequate pollination probably limits yield in self-fertile cultivars of swede rape that auto-pollinate poorly and in turnip rape cultivars that are nearly self-sterile.