Evaluation of the oil quality properties of Rapeseed genotypes contributed to drought stress at the flowering stage in semi-arid conditions

Climate change and water scarcity are among the significant limited factors to constrain the production and development of oilseed crops, especially rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), in arid and semi-arid areas. The effects of drought stress and late-sowing on the grain yield and oil quality of rapeseed were studied by conducting a factorial split-plot experiment as a randomized complete block design with three replications for two years (2015-2017) in Karaj, Iran. Irrigation and sowing date treatments were considered in the main plots as factorial, and cultivars were placed in subplots. Two sowing dates were the regular date (October 7th) and the late-sowing date (November 6th). Irrigation was also carried out at two levels of normal irrigation and irrigation interruption from the flowering stage onwards. Experimental cultivars included ES Hydromel, ES Alonso, ES Darko, ES Lauren, and Ahmadi. The highest grain yield (4505.6 kg ha-1) was obtained on the regular date, and the normal irrigation. ES Hydromel had the best quality of oil and grain meal due to the highest percentage of palmitic acid (4.44%) under late cultivation and drought stress and the lowest glucosinolates (23.19 µmol g-1 DW) content under late cultivation. Therefore, the ES Hydromel hybrid cultivar was more successful in optimal use of water resources in the face of water scarcity and late-planting in arid and semi-arid regions.