CRAMBE АBYSSINICA CULTIVATION UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION
The article presents the results of studies, which were conducted in 2013-2014. We investigate the effect of basic elements of technology (seeding rate and sowing time), on the productivity of Сrambe Abyssinica Variety Polet under the conditions of the Middle Volga region. Сrambe - is a non-conventional oil crop, hence there is the importance of defining the most effective seeding rate and sowing time, ensuring high productivity of high-quality oilseeds of the presented crop and determine the relevance of the study. The aim of our research was to study the biological characteristics of crambe and fundamental elements of farming, for the possibility of its cultivation in different agro-climatic conditions. Crambe is a crop with a short growing season, which allows to cultivate it almost everywhere. In general, the duration of the growth and development period of Сrambe Abyssinica on the average is 90-102 days. The study of the influence of elements of technology of cultivation on the yield of Сrambe Abyssinica made it possible to determine the optimal time of sowing (early: III decade of April - I decade of May) and seeding rate for this crop (2.5 million of viable seeds per hectare.). Field germination of crambe plants on average during the years of studies on the variant of the experiment ranged from 66.5-77.7%. The highest it has been during the first period of sowing, with seeding rate within 2.5 million viable seeds per hectare because the period of sowing-seedlings was characterized by adequate moisture. The highest crop yield of oilseeds to 2.88 t / ha with oil percentage to 38.6-40.9% was received. The oil contains a low amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic - 7.80-10% and 6.7-8.5% respectively. Erucic acid content is high - 54.8-58.7%, and therefore, it is possible to use it as a source of biodiesel. Сrambe Abyssinica owing to the unpretentiousness, adaptivity to environmental factors and short vegetative period during the years of research, is prospective for cultivation in different agrobiological conditions.