Performance of different Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) varieties with saline water and graded fertilizer doses under semi-arid conditions of Haryana

Aim: The existing research was undertaken to approximate the significance of interactive effects of varieties X fertilizer doses in mustard crop with saline water irrigation undersemi-arid conditions of Haryana. Methodology: The experiment comprised of mustard varieties viz. Kranti, Giriraj, CS-54 and CS-58 and three fertilizer doses viz. recommended fertilizer dose (RDF), i.e., 60:20:20, 125% of recommended fertilizer dose and 150% of recommended fertilizer dose under semi-arid conditions of Haryana. The study was carried out in a split plot design with varieties in main plots and fertilizer doses in subplots irrigated with 7 dSm-1 saline water. Results: Statistical analysis devised that both variety and fertilizer doses had significant effect on plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, seed and straw yield. The interaction of variety and fertilizer dose had significant effect only on the seed yield. All the treatments and varieties were found economically positive but 150% fertilizer dose was proved to be more economical with highest net returns and B: C ratio in variety Giriraj, Kranti, CS-54 and CS- 58, respectively. Interpretation: Amongst four varieties CS-58 was better performer for all the growth and yield parameters with application of 150% recommended fertilizer dose under saline water irrigation.