Influence of seed treatment with mineral nutrient products on emergence and growth in spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

Seed treatment with mineral nutrients in spring oilseed rape (SOR) under cold climatic conditions has the potential to improve the outcome of production. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of mineral nutrients applied as seed treatment on germination and growth of roots and biomass in SOR. In addition, seed yield and oil content were also measured. Seed vigour tests and in-field experiments were performed in Central Sweden in 2016 and 2017. Seven products with different composition of mineral nutrients were applied to the seed in a combination with binder, filler and fungicide (BFF), or applied directly onto the seed. The results showed that a treatment with mineral nutrients increased the plant size at stage BBCH 60 (early flowering stage) when the products were applied in combination with BFF in the field experiments. However, the increased plant size did not influence seed yield. Furthermore, when seeds were treated only with a nutrient product the addition of BFF decreased plant size by 10% on average and seed and crude fat yields by 4% on average. The use of BFF may thereby be questioned and is subject to further investigation.