Dynamics of reproductive growth of lesquerella (Physaria fendleri) over different planting dates

Vegetative and reproductive growth information of lesquerella (Physaria fendleri), a new oilseed crop targeted for bio-products, is important to understand especially in the early commercialization stage of this new crop. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fall, winter, and spring planting dates over three years on the ontogeny of the crop including biomass, floral buds, flowers, and siliques. Fall plantings always produced more than the other plantings due to the extended season. Winter and spring plantings had less biomass and produced fewer buds, flowers, and siliques. The compensation of lower crop management costs and a shorter growing season could make winter a viable option for planting in the southwest. Spring planting could become viable if seed shatter due to summer rains could be reduced. The information will help decide growing regions suitable for crop production and determine what reproductive stages could be manipulated to improve seed yields.

• We counted and weighed buds, flowers, and seed pods, and measured the dry weight of plants over the growing seasons.
• This was done at three different planting times over three years including fall, winter and spring plantings.
• Fall plantings produced more reproductive structures than winter or spring because of the longer growing season and the more favorable temperatures
• The other planting times could still be an option when considering the reduced field costs for inputs such as irrigation and herbicides needed.