Seeding Density Directly Influences Crambe Productivity

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the development and production characteristics of crambe, under different planting densities and different spacing between rows. Theoretical Framework: For crops that are still little explored, such as crambe, sowing management in new regions lacks information that would enable rural producers to obtain greater profitability. Method: Two cycles were conducted, in which six treatments were used, consisting of a combination of two different spacings between rows (20 and 40 cm) and three final plant populations (400, 600 and 800 thousand plants ha-1). The characteristics of plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of leaves, total dry mass of plants, hectoliter weight of grains and productivity were evaluated. Results and Discussion: The biometric characteristics of the plants and the hectoliter weight of the grains were not altered by the treatments, with the exception of the height of plants in the second cycle, in which plants grown at the lowest density had their height reduced. However, productivity was higher for dense crops, with the treatment consisting of 800 thousand plants ha-1 being superior to the others. Research Implications: Determine the best population of crambe plants at different planting times, aiming to obtain the best management for the producer. Originality/Value: Crambe cultivation has the potential to be produced in different soil and climate conditions. However, research on cultivation in the Cerrado biome is still scarce, and there is a need for information on crop management.