Effect of sowing dates on performance of different mustard varieties (Brassica juncea L.) in western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of sowing dates on performance of different mustard varieties (Brassica juncea L.) in western Uttar Pradesh” during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The soil of the experimental field was well drained, sandy loam in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. It was low in organic carbon and nitrogen but medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The treatment consisted of three sowing dates (7th, 19th and 31st October) and four mustard varieties (Pusa Vijay, RH-0749, Pioneer-45S46 and Pro-Agro-5222) were tested in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The appropriate date of sowing caused significant increase in growth and yield attributes i.e., plant height, LAI, branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1, 1000 seed weight and yields viz., biological, seed and oil yield of mustard crop and found maximum with the sowing of mustard at 7th October. Followed by the nutrient content and uptake was also higher with this date of sowing. Similarly, the Pusa Vijay gave highest plant height, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter production, yield attributes, seed, stover yield, oil content, oil yield, protein content and nutrient (N, P, K and S) uptake by mustard crop. The highest gross returns 120579 Rs. ha-1 net returns of 86882 Rs. ha-1 was obtained with the sowing of mustard on 7th October over rest of dates of sowing. With respect to varieties, the highest net returns of 98606 Rs. ha-1and B:C ratio of 4.58 was obtained in Pusa Vijay followed by Pioneer-45S46 having net returns 88509 Rs. ha-1 and B:C ratio (3.90). Thus, it may be concluded that the sowing of mustard at 7th October with Pusa Vijay variety found economical in obtaining higher yields with higher net return and B:C ratio.