Growth and grain yield ofLupinus albusat different plant populations

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The development of the early flowering cultivar ‘Ultra’ of Lupinus albus was studied in a spring sowing of six plant populations. Higher populations produced greater dry matter yields of leaf, pod, and seed. Leaf area index (LAI) increased with higher populations, but peak LAIs were low. Header seed yields ranged from 2000 kg/ha at 16 plants/m2 to 3150 kg/ha at 35 plants/m2, plant population being the most important yield component. Mainstem seed yield was constant for all populations, but branches showed reduced seed yield at higher populations. Pods per plant and seeds per pod from branches declined with increased plant density. However, even at low populations, seeds per pod on branches were fewer. Seed size and nitrogen content were little affected by changes in plant population.