Effect of spacing and row orientation on yield attributes and estimation of economical gain in Toria cultivation (Brassica campestris L.)

Introduction

Rapeseed and mustard crops in India thrive in a variety of agro-climatic conditions, from the hilly regions in the northeast and northwest to the southern areas, whether under irrigated or rainfed systems, timely or late sowing, and even in saline soils with mixed cropping practices. Indian mustard represents approximately 75-80% of the total 6.23 million hectares dedicated to these crops during the 2018-19 crop season. It is a winter (rabi) season crop that requires a relatively cool temperature, a fair supply of soil moisture during the growing season and a dry harvest period (Saini et al., 2020) [5] . It is cultivated both under irrigated (79.2%) and rainfed (20.8%) conditions (Singh and Thenua, 2016) [6] . Highest area was recorded in Rajasthan (10.60 lakh ha) followed by Madhya Pradesh and Haryana 3.99 and 1.46 lakh ha, respectively. Row spacing is a crucial agronomic practice for enhancing the production potential of rapeseed and mustard. Adhering to recommended row spacing, along with providing optimal environmental conditions, can significantly improve yield stability.Inappropriate row spacing reduced seed yield by inadequate siliqua yield and hastening plant maturity (Nanjundan et al. 2020). Jha et al. (2012) [3,4] investigated how the Indian mustard's orientation of sowing affected its ability to intercept solar energy. A high density of plants can negatively impact agricultural yields due to competition among plants for nutrients, water, light, and space. Conversely, a low plant density may prevent the full utilization of available resources. The ultimate grain yield of a crop is strongly linked to light, particularly photosynthetically active radiation, which is essential for food production. The photosynthesis process depends on temperature and the amount of light captured. The efficiency of light utilization is also influenced by the crop's leaf area, which is primarily affected by temperature and moisture levels. Observations indicated that growth characteristics were significantly greater when rows were aligned in a north-south direction with a spacing of 40 cm compared to other configurations. The probable reasons for higher growth attributes under north -south row direction sowing are better sunlight interception and thereby an increased photosynthetic activity. These findings are in conformity with the findings of Bilgili et al. (2003) [2] .

Materials and Methods:

The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2024, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P.) which is located at 250 30' 42''N latitude, 810 60' 56" E longitude and 98 m altitude above the mean sea level (MSL). This area is situated on the right side of the Yamuna River by the side of Prayagraj-Rewa Road about 12 km from the city. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The plot size of each treatment was 3m x 3m. The factors are Spacing (20 x 10 cm, 30 x 10 cm and 40 x 10 cm) and Row Orientation {East-West, North-South and Control (Plot Direction) North East-South West}. Toria variety T-9 was selected for sowing. Seeds were sown in line manually. Seeds were covered with the soil immediately after sowing. The Toria crop was sown on 25 Sept. 2024. Harvesting was done by taking 1m2 area from each plot. And from it five plants were randomly selected for recording growth and yield parameters. The observations were recorded for plant height, dry weight, Crop growth rate, number of siliquae/plants, number of seeds/siliquae, test weight, see yield and stover yield. The data was subjected to statistical analysis by analysis of variance method.

Result and Discussion 1. Yield Attributes Number of siliqua/plants

The data shown that there was a significant effect among treatments. However, highest number of siliqua/plant (189.80) was observed in treatment T3 (40 x 10 cm + East-West). However, Treatment 9 {40 x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West) (181.60) was found to be statistically at par with Treatment 3 [40 x 10 cm + East-West].

Number of Seeds/siliqua

The data shown that there was a significant effect among treatments. However, highest number of seeds/siliqua (13.13) was observed in treatment T3 (40 x 10 cm + East-West). However, Treatment 9 (13.00){40 x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West)} was found to be statistically at par with Treatment 3 [40 x 10 cm + East-West].

Seed Yield (t/ha): Maximum seed yield (0.94 t/ha) was observed in treatment T3 (40 x 10 cm + East-West). However, Treatment 9 (0.93 t/ha) [40 cm x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West)] and Treatment 8 (0.92 t/ha) [30 cm x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West)], were found to be statistically at par with Treatment 3 [40 x 10 cm + East-West].

Stover Yield (t/ha) Maximum stover yield (6.22 t/ha) was observed in treatment T3 (40 x 10 cm + East-West). However, Treatment 9 (6.06) [40 cm x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West)] and Treatment 8 (6.02 t/ha) [30 cm x 10 cm + Control (North East-South West)] was found to be statistically at par with Treatment 3 [40 x 10 cm + East-West].

Economics Gross

Benefit Cost Ratio (B:C)

The highest benefit-cost ratio (1.22) was recorded in Treatment 3 [40 cm x 10 cm + East -West] and the lowest benefit-cost ratio (0.87) was recorded in in Treatment 4 [20 cm x 10 cm + North -South].

Discussion

Spacing of 40 x 10 cm sowing generally leads to higher yield attributes like plant height, number of branches, siliqua per plant and seeds per siliqua compared to North-South direction, while also showing better seed yield. One possible explanation for these enhancements is the higher light intensity obtained when facing east-west. Plant height, siliquae/plant, seeds/silique, as a result of improved light interception, which results in longer photosynthetic activity in the former than in the latter (Bhan et al.) [1] . However, East-west sowing increased the seed and stick + straw yields by 8.3 and 5.1% respectively over the sowing in Northsouth direction mustard. This could be at tributed to better plant growth as measured in terms of yield attributes, viz. plant 'stand at maturity, plant height, siliqua/plant, seeds/siliqua and 1,000seed weight, due to better light interception leading to prolonged photosynthetic activity in former as compared to earlier. These findings are in accordance with the results observed by Pal (1995) [7] .

Conclusion

It is concluded that 40 x 10 cm Spacing sowing along with East-West sowing direction recorded highest yield attributes and economics in Toria.

References

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