INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CANOLA (Brassica napus L.) CULTIVARS

Potassium is one of the major nutrients whose deficiency decreased the growth and yield of canola. Current knowledge regarding K requirement of canola is limited. Thus the field study was carried out to assess the influence of different levels of K fertilization (0, 30, 60, 90,120 kg ha(-1)) on two canola cultivars viz. Bulbul-98 and Zafar-2000. Results revealed that increasing rate of K enhanced leaf area index and crop growth rate in both cultivars. Highest seed yield (3067.24 kg ha(-1)) was obtained when K was applied at 120 kg ha(-1). While minimum seed yield (2353.85 kg ha(-1)) was recorded in case of control. Variety, Zafar-2000 produced more seed yield than Bulbul-98. Oil content progressively decreased with increase of K level with highest (42.46%) in case of control and lowest (39.25%) with a K level of 120 kg ha(-1). Similarly Zafar-2000 and Bulbul-98 produced 40.80% and 41.04% oil contents, respectively. From these results, it is concluded that potassium application at the rate of 120 kg ha(-1) increased the growth, yield, and oil quality of canola.