Effect of sowing date, nitrogen level and row spacing on the growth and yield of African sarson (Brassica carinata A. BR.)

An experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 to study the effect of 3 sowing dates (Oct 15, Nov 15, Dec 15), 3 nitrogen levels (100, 125, 150 kg ha⁻¹) and 3 row spacings (30, 45, 60 cm) on the growth parameters and yield of Brassica carinata. The crop sown on Oct 15 produced significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), no. of branches and seed yield than Nov 15 and Dec 15 sown crops. Increase in N application upto 150 kg ha⁻¹ significantly increased the plant height. DMA, LAI, no. of branches over 100 kg N ha⁻¹ but it was at par with respect to seed yield. The crop sown at 30 cm row spacing recorded significantly higher plant height, LAI and seed yield; but higher DMA and no. of branches were recorded at 60 cm row spacing. Seed yield was positively correlated with all the growth parameters.