Maximization of growth, seed yield and quality by adjusting date of sowing and nutrient level in mustard. (Brassica juncea Czern & Coss)

Abstract

First date of sowing i.e. 5th November 2014 (D1) was significantly superior for most of the growth, seed yield and quality parameters as it showed percent increase of 35.04 in no. of siliquae/plant, 32.11 in no. of seeds per siliqua, 14.40 in seed yield q/ha, 2.58 in seed recovery, 9.64 in oil content, 5.78 in germination, 8.01 in seed vigour index-I and 10.12 in seed vigour index-II over second date of sowing i.e. 18th November 2014. Treatment with T7 (RNPKS ie. 60:40:40NPK + 40kgS + 25 kg /ha ZnSO4 + 5 kg/ha FeSO4) was found significantly effective for getting highest yield (19.73 q/ha), highest no. of secondary branches (14.75), germination (75.41%), shoot length (9.22cm) and root length (7.11cm) as well as for quality, having highest oil content (33.37%) vigour Index–I (1528.21) and vigour Index-II (11.34). Interaction of D1xT7 also exhibited significantly highest seed yield (21.30q/ha) and no. of secondary branches (17.25). Maximum seed yield and quality can be achieved by sowing of treated seed with carbendazim @ 2g./kg in first week of November with nutrient application of RNPKS i.e. 60:40:40 and 40 kg S + 25 kg ZnSO4 + 5kg FeSO4/ha.