Physiological and yield responses of meadowfoam to water stress and nitrogen fertilization
Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba Benth.) seed is a potential annually renewable source of oil for use in industrial products and processes. The plant grows well in Western Oregon but seed yields have been variable. Consistently high seed yields of meadowfoam are needed to help accelerate commercialization. Water stress variables applied during flowing and seed development had no significant efect on seed yield in 1981 (probably because of unusually high rainfall during May and June); in 1982 the yield of irrigated treatments averaged 33% higher than the control. In both years, seeds per flower and 1000-seed weights were higher with irrigation. In 1982 irrigation caused taller plants, more dry matter, a lower canopy light transmittance, and a higher oil yield. Seed yields from spring fertilization of meadowfoam with ammonium sulfate (0, 50, 100 kg N ha/sup -1/) were not increased in 1981, possibly because of plant lodging and Botrytis fungus associated with high May and June precipitation. The spring of 1982 was drier than 1981 and seed yields in N fertilized treatments in 1982 averaged 113% higher than the control. Plant height and dry matter were higher while canopy light transmittance was lower with N application. The results of this experiment showed that plant water deficits sufficient to lower seed yields of meadowfoam in the Willamette Valley of Oregon will probably not be common, and that nitrogen fertilization can dramatically improve seed yields.
- OSTI ID:
- 5929915
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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