Effect of date of sowing on the yield and yield attributes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

In India, mustard is mainly cultivated as a neglected crop, and the time of sowing plays a crucial role in its growth and productivity. However, due to the late harvesting of kharif rice (upto last week of November), the sowing of mustard is often delayed, which adversely affects its yield and quality due to terminal heat stress. To address this issue, a study was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya over two Rabi seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25). The experiment included the following treatment details: Main plot treatments (Sowing window): D1: 48th meteorological week, D2: 50th meteorological week, D3: 52nd meteorological week, Sub-plot treatments (Variety): V1: PM-28, V2: Divya-55 and Sub-sub plot treatments (Growth regulators): T1: Salicylic Acid @ 150 ppm at active growth stage and flowering, T2: Trehalose @ 10 mm at active growth stage and flowering, T3: Cycocel @ 300 ppm at active growth stage and flowering, T4: Control. The results indicated that the early sowing window (D1) was the most effective in the main plot. Among the varieties, Divya-55 (V2) outperformed PM-28, and in terms of growth regulators, Cycocel (T3) showed the best performance with respect to yield and other growth parameters.