Effect of pod removal and plant growth regulators on the growth, development and carbon assimilate distribution in oilseed rape (Brassica napusL.)

Summary Removal of basally positioned pods on the terminal inflorescence at anthesis and 6 days thereafter increased the duration of flowering and resulted in the formation of a larger number of smaller pods. Removal at 12 days after anthesis did not affect flower production but increased the number of flowers setting pods. Application of benzyladenine to the apices of intact plants from 8 days but not 14 days after anthesis greatly extended flower but not pod production. Liquid scintillation counting showed that the benzyladenine treatment led to more 14 C-labelled assimilates moving to the apices.