Optimizing sowing dates and varietal adaptation for enhanced yield and sustainable production of Mustard (Brassica juncea) in the trans-gangetic region of Punjab

The optimal timing for seeding a crop is essential for maximizing its genetic potential, as it provides the most favorable growing conditions in terms of meteorological parameters. Delay in planting, adverse weather conditions during the flowering period, fertilization and pod formation can result in a reduction in grain production, as well as a decrease in the duration of the maturity phase, the number of siliquae plant-1 and the number and weight of grains. It is evident from these facts that the timing of mustard sowing has a substantial effect on its production. A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, during the Rabi season of 2023-2024, in consideration of these facts. The treatments were comprised of five varieties {V1 (GSC-07), V2 (Laxmi-846), V3 (Durgamani), V4 (Gujarat Mustard-2) and V5 (RH-119)} that were replicated thrice under FRBD (Factorial randomized block design). The dates of sowing were as follows: D1 (15th October) for early sown, D2 (30th October) for mid sown and D3 (15th November) for late sown. Data regarding yield attributing parameters and yield were obtained after the harvest. Results revealed that mostly no. of siliqua/plant was obtained with treatment combination D1×V2 (188.820) followed by D1×V3 (186.823), siliqua length (7.467cm) with D1×V2 followed by D2×V2 (7.340 cm), weight of one siliqua/plant (0.150g) by D1×V3 which was at par with D1×V5 and D2×V1, no. of seeds/siliqua (21.233) by D1×V2 followed by D2×V2 (20.177), weight of seeds/siliqua (0.090g) by D1×V2 which was at par with D2×V1, test weight (6.967g) by D1×V2 followed by D2×V2 (6.767). Under the agroclimatic conditions of the experimental area, the most effective method of cultivation was the early seeding (15th October) and the mid sowing (30th October) of the Laxmi-846 (V2) variety.