Pakistani Canola Seed

INTRODUCTION In Pakistan after cotton, rapeseed-mustard is the second most important source of oil in Pakistan. It is cultivated over an area of 307,000 hectares with annual production of 233,000 tonnes and contribute about 17% to the domestic production of edible oil. Rapeseed and mustard seed is a rich source of oil and protein. The seed has oil as high as 46-48 percent, Whole seed meal has 43.6 percent protein. Rapeseed meal is an excellent feed for animals. Canola: Canola is different from rapeseed and it is lower in erucic acid and glucosinolates, which are anti-nutritive and health. Canola type varieties are free of these elements. PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY Climate: Rapeseed is well adapted in temperate region and requires cool temperature for vegetative and reproductive growth. The growth cycle of rapeseed may be as short as 70 days or long as 380 days. Rapeseed and Mustard grow best under relatively cool temperatures upto flowering. After flowering they can tolerate high temperature, however, more heat and drought stress may result in a reduction of seed size, crop yield and oil contents. Among rape and mustard crops, sarson is the most susceptible to frost injury whereas,raya and taramira are more tolerant to extreme weather condition. Soil: Rapeseed-mustard can be grown on a wide range of soils including both light and heavy type. Crop can tolerate a variable range of pH from 5.5 to 8.0. However, the most suitable soils are those that are: Deep and free from hardpan, allow good taproot development, uniformly textured, allow even establishment. Unlikely to crust after rain, so that the seedling can emerge easily. Not prompt to water logging, rapeseed will tolerate winter waterlogging.