Canola is an important oil crop for the United States. Winter canola is limited to areas with mild winters of the Mid-South, compared to summer canola found in Northern Plains. When grown in this region, winter canola can precede row crops such as corn, cotton or soybeans but must mature early enough to not interfere with their full season. The objective of our research was to evaluate a group of 22 open-pollinated canola genotypes, including lines bred in the Southeast for earliness in time to flowering with these compared to released varieties that are later in maturity as checks. The trials were conducted in Nashville across two fall to spring seasons with planting in October and harvests in May. Several phenological traits for earliness to flower or mature were evaluated by field observation in season one and by UAV drone in season two. NIRs analysis was used for oil and protein. AAMU lines were at least a week earlier in flowering and maturing than checks; but as a result, had a corresponding yield penalty. The first season’s yields were superior to the second season’s yield. Among the checks, Virginia and Sumner were similar in yield potential and somewhat early compared to the other released varieties with high yields, Riley and Wichita. Some AAMU lines with up to 2348 and 1810 Kg？ha？1 yields surpassed Virginia but not Riley, Sumner or Wichita. Overall, the protein content was negatively correlated with the oil content and the yield. AAMU lines were found to be harvestable by mid-May. This timing could allow earlier planting of other row crops. Continued investigation into the early maturity, yield potential and cold hardiness of these winter canola lines for the Mid-South region is suggested.
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