Effect of Sowing Time on Growth and Yield Attributes of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Introduction

India has been recognized as the "Land of Spices" and also known as "Home of spices" in the whole world. In 2021-22, India produced approximately 823,720 metric tons (MT) of coriander from an area of 638,620 hectares (Anonymous, 2022a) [2] . In India, coriander is mainly grown in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (Thakur et al., 2022) [16] , Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat assam, Odisha, and Punjab (Anonymous, 2021) [1] . India is the major global producer, consumer, and exporter of seed spices, and almost 20 seed spices are cultivated in here with fennel, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, and celery. Coriander is an important crop and used both as a leafy vegetable and as a seed spice. According to the reports from the Directorate of Horticulture and Farm Forestry, Government of Chhattisgarh, coriander cultivated on 15,795 hectares, yielding a production of 75,901 metric tonnes (Anonymous, 2022b) [3] . However, it is grown for leafy purpose and for seed in all districts majorly concentrated in Rajanandgaon, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Mungeli, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Surajpur, Balrampur, Raipur and Korba. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a significant annual, aromatic spice and medicinal herb belonging to the family Apiaceae and it has a chromosome number of 2n=22 and is mainly cultivated from its seeds throughout the year (Mhemdi et al., 2011) [10] . The crop is commonly known as "Dhania, Cilantro, Chinese parsley and Dhana." Its name has come from Greek word Koris, which means shield bug or bedbug, it is because of the unpleasant fetid odour of the green herbs and unripe fruits. The plant is Andromonoecious, i.e. both staminate and perfect flowers are produced on the same plant and even in the same umbellet. Coriander is a cool season crop and can be cultivated in rabi season on black cotton or other type of heavy soils which have better water retension and with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5 is best for cultivating coriander (Joshi et al., 2007) [5] . The Best season to grow coriander is June to July in kharif and October to November in rabi season. 15 to 25 kg ha -1 seed rate is required when it used as leafy green.

Coriander performs well at a temperature range of 20-30 °C (Namdev, 2017) [12] . Coriander is sown in winter season if the objective is seed for production (Sharangi and Roychowdhury, 2014) [15] . It can tolerate subtle frost and high temperature (Uikey, 2022) [17] . Extreme weather, particularly high temperatures, have an impact on green leaf production in coriander. It induces bolting, which results in fewer cuttings and, as a result, lower herbage yields (Moniruzzaman et al., 2013) [11] . Time of sowing is crucial for crop for the vegetative growth and ultimate expression of yield. Time of sowing controls the crop phenological development along with efficient conversion of biomass into economic yield (Khichar and Niwas, 2006) [6] . The sowing period has the effect on plant height, number of branches plant -1 , number of umbel plant -1 , number of the seed's umbel -1 and seeds yield (Bhadkariya et al., 2007) [4] .A late sown crop produces shrivelled grains as compared to early sowing leading to low yield. Overcrowding, excessive water, hard seed coat and exposure to high temperatures are the other challenges associated with poor grain production. That's why an optimum sowing time should be required because it helps to fetch better return (Lal et al., 2017) [9] . Keeping the above points in view the present investigation was initiated to study the effect of time of sowing on growth and yield of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.).

Materials and Methods

The field experiment was conducted at Research cum Instructional Farm, Pt. Shiv Kumar Shastri College of Agriculture & Research Station, Surgi, Rajnandgaon, (C.G.) during Rabi season in the year of 2024-25. The experiment was employed a in randomized block design (RBD) with four replications and six treatments viz., T 1: 4 th week of October, T 2: 1 st week of November, T 3: 2 nd week of November, T 4: 3 rd week of November, T 5: 4 th week of November and T 6: 1 st week of December. The experimental soil was characterized as the fine textured clayey soil in texture and with pH (7.44), EC (0.43 dS m -1 ), OC (0.65%) and low in available nitrogen (213.46 kg ha -1 ), phosphorus (11.08 kg ha -1 ) and potassium (252.06 kg ha -1 ). Coriander variety-CG Shri Chandrahasini Dhania-02 was sown as an experimental crop with the planting distance of 30 cm  10 cm using seed rate of 15 kg ha -1 . The size of gross plot is 6 m×5 m which equals to 30 m 2 and while the size of net plot, where the actual experimentation occurred, was slightly smaller at 5.40 m  4.00 m equivalent to 21.6 m 2 . To maintain the optimum distance between replications, a gap of 1m was left between them, also a gap of 1m for each separated individual plot was maintained. The recommended dose of fertilizers @80 kg N, 60 kg P 2 O 5 and 40 kg K 2 O was applied. The impact of these treatments on coriander cultivation's growth and yield characteristics was examined by collecting data on plant population (m -2 ) (At Initial and at harvest), plant height (cm) at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, number of branches at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity and length of umbel (cm), weight of umbel (g), number of umbel plant -1 , number of umbellets umbel -1 , number of seeds umbellet -1 , number of seeds plant -1 , seed yield plant -1 (g) and test weight (g). A total of eight irrigation was applied uniformly in all the plots. After sowing, the plots were irrigated immediately and afterward irrigation was given at 20 days interval when required in order to maintain optimum soil moisture until it showed flowering. The simultaneous thinning and weeding were done by manual labour during 20 and 30 DAS to maintain the optimum plant population and to keep the weeds under control. Recommended agronomic practices were followed to raise the experimental crop. The data recorded were statistically analysed following standard statistical analysis of variance as outlined by Panse and Sukhatme (1967).

Data on plant height were recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest of coriander. Thefindings are presented in Table 1. Data revealed the significant effect of different times of sowing on plant height of coriander. Among all the treatments, sowing time of coriander, 4 th week of October(T 1 ) recorded significantly the highest plant height (10.30 cm, 32.7 cm, 91.05 cm and 114.30 cm) at all crop growth stages which was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) recorded plant height (9.73 cm, 31.25 cm, 88 cm and 112.48 cm). The shortest plants were observed when coriander was sown on 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (6.97 cm, 22.95 cm, 74.95 cm and 84.68 cm).In optimumsowing times, better vegetative growth is due to more favourable temperature and sunshine available to crop during its growth period. Sufficient luxurious vegetative growth was due to sufficient utilization of moisture and nutrition, favourable climatic conditions, more light interception, maximum absorption of PARand increased photosynthates synthesis and that's why growth was increased. Decrease in plant height due to delay in time of sowing can be related to higher temperature at late harvesting times and less opportunity for photosynthesis. Similar results recorded byPan et al. (2003), Khoja (2005), Meena (2006), Kuri et al. (2015) [8] , Lal et al. (2017) [9] and Painkara etal. (2024) [13,14] .

Number of branches plant -1

Data revealed that the number of branches plant -1 of coriander was influenced significantly due to different sowing times throughout crop growth stages. The findings are presented in Table 1. Among different sowing times the maximum number of branches plant -1 was observed on time of sowing 4 th week of October (T 1 ) (3.58, 5.73, 7.78 and 8.23) which was at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (3.08, 5.33, 7.60 and 8.10), whereas, minimum number of branches was observed in coriander sown on 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (2.50, 3.95, 5.33 and 5.43). In early sowing time sufficient availability of moisture, nutrition and more light interception, maximum PAR interception, more synthesis of photosynthates is received due to that luxurious plant growth is observed and growth and yield characters were increased. The significant decrease in branches with delay in sowing can be related to higher temperature during harvesting time experienced by crops which affected their growth period of each developing structure and decreased their branches bearing capacity. These results are in agreement with the findings of Khoja (2005), Moniruzzaaman et al. (2013) [11] , Nadre et al. (2017) in fenugreek, Kuri et al. (2015) [8] , Namdev (2017) [12] , Lal et al. (2017) [9] and Painkara et al. (2024) [13,14] .

Days to 50% flowering

Data in respect to days to 50% flowering were recorded and are presented in Table 1. The number of days required for 50% flowering was significantly influenced by different time of sowing. Among all the treatments coriander sown on 4 th week of October (T 1 ) was recorded significantly the maximum number of days (62 days) to 50% flowering in coriander which was found at par with crop sown on 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (61 days), whereas significantly minimum number of days were recorded in 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (54) respectively. The days to 50% flowering was found maximum might be due to occurrence of favourable temperature and luxurious crop growth i.e. maximum plant height, a great number of branches, maximum plant spread and dry matter accumulation. The results were similar to Khoja (2005),Choudhari (2009), Namdev (2017) [12] , and Painkara et al.(2024) [13,14] .

Days to maturity

Data of number of days taken to maturity as influenced by different time of sowing are presented in Table 1. The maximum number of days to maturity was recorded of coriander sown on 4 th week October (T 1 ) (116.00 days) which was found at par with 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (114 days), whereas minimum days taken to maturity in sowing time 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (102 days). In early sowing times, late physiological maturity indicates a prolonged vegetative phase which have resulted in better seed yield as well. The increase in crop duration as well as overall growth and vigour of the crop by early sowing might be due to account of exposure of crops to prevalence of many climatic conditions. The results are in agreement with the Khoja (2005), Balai and Keshwa (2010), Sharangi and Roychowdhury (2014) [15] , Namdev (2017) [12] , Bhutia et al (2017), Kiran (2018) [7] and Thakur et al. (2022) [16] .

Data pertaining to length of umbel as influenced by different times of sowing are presented in Table 2. The length of umbel was influenced significantly due to different times of sowing. Among all the treatments, sowing time 4 th week of October (T 1 ) recorded significantly the longest umbel (8.69 cm), which was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (8.00 cm). The shortest umbel was recorded on sowing time 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (4.68 cm). Due to favourable agro-climatic conditions available at the time of sowing period which promoted profuse plant growth is obtained in sowing time 4 th week of October which influenced maximum length of umbel. The luxurious plant growth enhanced growth and yield attributes which produced maximum seed yield. These results are similar toNamdev (2017) [12] , Mahor (2018) and Painkara et al. (2024) [13,14] .

Number of seeds umbellet -1

Data in respect to number of seeds umbellet -1 as influenced by different sowing times are presented in Table 2. A perusal of data revealed that different sowing times had significant influence on number of seeds umbellet -1 . Among the treatments sowing time 4 th week of October (T 1 ) produced significantly the maximum number of seeds umbellet -1 (6.93) and was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (6.30), whereas the lowest number of seeds umbellet -1 were recorded on 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (4.41). This might be due to sufficient availability of nutrients and moisture, maximum interception of PAR and photosynthesis during early crop growth period. The results are accordance to Kiran (2018) [7] in black cumin and Painkara et al.

Number of umbel plant -1

Data pertaining to number of umbel plant -1 as influenced by different times of sowing are presented in Table 2. Number of umbel plant -1 significantly influenced by different sowing times. Among all the treatments crop sown on 4 th week of October (T 1 ) reported that the maximum number of umbel plant -1 (20.50) which was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (20.00) and minimum was on 1 st week of December(T 6 ) (12.55). This might be due to availability of nutrients, moisture, maximum interception of PAR and photosynthesis which increases yield attributes and yield. The results are in accordance to Khoja (2005) and Namdev (2017) [12] .

Number of seeds plant -1

Data regarding number of seeds plant -1 as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 2. The number of seeds plant -1 of coriander was influenced significantly due to different sowing times. Coriander sown on 4 th week of October (T 1 ) recorded significantly the maximum number of seeds plant -1 of coriander (795.13) which was found at par with time of sowing 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (647.87) and sowing time 1 st week of December (T 6 ) recorded minimum number of seeds plant -1 of coriander (227.58). During early sowing sufficient availability of moisture, nutrition, more light interception, maximum PAR interception and synthesis of photosynthesis is received due to that luxurious vegetative growth which increased growth and yield attributes which produced maximum seed yield. Results are accordance to Namdev (2017) [12] .

Seed yield plant -1 (g) Data pertaining to seed yield plant -1 as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 2. The seed yield plant -1 of coriander was influenced significantly due to different sowing times. Among all the treatments coriander sown on 4 th week of October (T 1 ) recorded significantly the maximum seed yield plant -1 (10.96 g) which was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (10 g) and minimum was reported in 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (3.57 g). During optimum sowing time, sufficient availability of moisture, nutrition, more light interception, maximum PAR interception and more synthesis of photosynthetic is received due to that luxurious vegetative growth and growth and yield attributes increased which produced maximum seed yield. [13,14] .

Seed yield (kg ha -1 ) Data pertaining seed yield have been presented in Table 2. The data has revealed that seed yield ha -1 was significantly affected by different treatments. Data recorded for seed yield ha -1 revealed that among all the treatments sowing time 4 th week of October (T 1 ) produced the highest seed yield ha -1 (1660.00 kg ha -1 ) which was found at par with coriander sown on1 st week of November (T 2 ) (1497.00 kg ha -1 ) while, sowing time 1 st week of December (T 6 ) reported the lowest seed yield ha -1 (995.00 kg ha -1 ). The highest seed yield obtained might be due to sufficient availability of moisture, nutrition, more synthesis of photosynthesis, more light interception and maximum PAR interception during its initial growth, flowering and fruiting stage. In late sowing times, the possible reason for lower yield might be due to availability if insufficient time for vegetative growth as the crop interred the terminal phase at faster rate. These findings are in line with Meena et al. (2006), Bhadkariya et al. (2007) [4] , Datta et al. (2008) and Painkara et al. (2024) [13,14] .

Data pertaining to stover yield as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 2. The stover yield of coriander was influenced significantly due to different sowing times. Among the treatments sowing time 4 th week of October (T 1 ) recorded significantly the maximum stover yield of coriander (3024.00 kg ha -1 ) which was found at par with sowing time 1 st week of November (T 2 ) (2884.00 kg ha -1 ), whereas the minimum was reported in sowing time 1 st week of December (T 6 ) (2296.00 kg ha -1 ). During optimum sowing time, healthy and luxurious plant growth obtained due to availability of moisture, nutrients, sunlight, maximum PAR interception and synthesis of photosynthesis. Similar findings were also obtained by Moniruzzaman et al. (2013) [11] and Painkara et al. (2024) [13,14] .

Conclusion

The study showed a significantly influential effect of time of sowing on growth and yield of coriander. On the basis of one-year experimental result, sowing time 4 th week of October (T 1 ) produced significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributing characters and yield of coriander and it was found at par with the treatment T 2: 1 st week of November. Among all the sowing times, 4 th week of October (T 1 ) sowing time registered significantly maximum gross return, net return and B:C ratio which was followed by 1 st week of November (T 2 ) and minimum was recorded in 1 st week of December (T 6 ). Therefore, for the maximum yield of coriander, it should be sown in 2 nd fortnight of October. The findings may recommend to the farmers and agricultural researchers to carefully consider the time of sowing which appears to be a crucial task in the different agro climatic conditions.

References

1. Anonymous. Spices Board, India and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 2021. (ON3019).
2. Bhadkariya S, Gupta A, Bobade A, Kasana BS, Tomar LS. Effect of different times of sowing on growth, yield and seed quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. CIMPOS33. Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika. 2007;22(3):229232.
3. Joshi AK, Kanwar HS, Verma SC, Kotnala K. Production technology of spices in Himachal Pradesh. Solan: Seed Technology and Production Centre Publication, Dr YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry; 2007. p. 22-24.
4. Khichar ML, Niwas R. Microclimatic profiles under different sowing environments in wheat. Journal of Agrometeorology. 2006;8(2):201-209.
5. Kiran MR. Effect of sowing time and plant geometry on growth, yield and quality of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Malwa plateau condition [MSc thesis]. Gwalior: Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur; 2018.
6. Kuri BR, Jat NL, Shivran AC, Saharawat YS, Bana RS, Dadarwal RS. Effect of sowing time, varieties and plant growth regulators on growth, physiological indices and productivity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Indian Journal of Agronomy. 2015;60(3):464-470.
7. Lal G, Metha RS, Singh R, Choudhary MK, Maheria SP. Effects of sowing dates on plant growth and seed yield of Ajmer Green Coriander-1 in winter season. International Journal of Seed Spices. 2017;7(2):14-18.
8. Mhemdi H, Rodier E, Kechaou N, Fages J. A supercritical tuneable process for the selective extraction of fats and essential oil from coriander seeds. Journal of Food Engineering. 2011;105(4):609-616.
9. Moniruzzaman M, Rahman MM, Hossain MM, Sirajul KAJM, Khaliq QA. Effect of sowing dates on year-round production of foliage of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Research. 2013;38(1):2939.
10. Namdev NA. Effect of spacing and sowing dates on growth and yield of coriander seed production [MSc thesis]. Rahuri: Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth; 2017.
11. Painkara SK, Chandrakar DK, Langangmeilu G, Paraye PM, Verma AK, Patel A. Growth analysis of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) as influenced by different sowing dates and planting geometry in Chhattisgarh plains zone. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change. 2024;14(3):797-803.
12. Painkara SK, Chandrakar DK, Langangmeilu G, Paraye PM, Verma AK, Patel A. Coriander yield characteristics as influenced by varied date of sowing and planting geometry under Chhattisgarh plain zone. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change. 2024;14(2):2581-8627.
13. Sharangi AB, Roychowdhury A. Phenology and yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) at different sowing dates. Journal of Plant Science. 2014;9(2):32-42.
14. Thakur M, Rattan P, Reddy AH, Pathania A. Effect of different dates of sowing on growth, yield and quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Biological Forum-An International Journal. 2022;14(2a):589-597.
15. Uikey P. Effect of sowing dates and leaf cutting management on phenophasic development and quality attributes of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) variety -Jawahar Dhaniya-1 [MSc thesis]. Jabalpur: Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya; 2022.