Differential accumulation patterns of phosphorus and potassium by canola cultivars compared to wheat

The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) accumulation patterns of canola (Brassica napus L.) are poorly understood, although such information is essential for determining optimal P- and K-fertilizer strategies. This study investigated the patterns of P and K uptake and distribution among plant organs of three early or midmaturing canola cultivars (Tribune, Trigold, and Boomer) differing in K efficiency compared to wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Nyabing). Plants were grown in a glasshouse with nonlimiting P and K supply and harvested at eight growth stages until maturity. Maximum P accumulation by all canola cultivars occurred during late flowering (GS 5,5; 84 d after sowing), whereas P accumulation in wheat plants peaked just prior to anthesis (Z59; 73 d after sowing). Maximum accumulation of K in canola cultivars Tribune and Trigold occurred 73 d after sowing (GS 4,8), but peaked earlier (61 d after sowing) in Boomer canola (GS 4,2) and Nyabing wheat (Z55). The results highlight the importance of early P and K supply to both species; however, the extended uptake of P and K by the canola cultivars Trigold and Tribune compared to wheat suggests that availability of soil P or K postflowering may be of more importance to canola than to wheat.