Evaluation of promising varieties of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) at different fertility levels under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1996-97 and 1997-98 at the Crop Research Centre, Pantnagar, to study the effect of different fertility levels on yield attributes, seed yield, haricots index, oil content and oil yield of promising Brassica varieties. Branches/plant (31.86), seed weight/plant (4.75 g), 1,000-seed weight (4.4 g), seeds/siliqua (9.7) and seed yield (1,350 kg/ha) were highest in 'PBC 9221'('Kiran') of Brassica carinata A.Braun whereas harvest index (16.7%) was lower in this variety. Oil content of 'Kranti' Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson was higher but oil yield was higher in 'BC 9221' Brassica carinata. Variety 'DLSC 1' had higher FUE (N) (43.6) and 'Kranti' recorded lower (1.7) FUE (N) compared with 'PR 8988'. With each successive increase in fertility level up to 125% of the recommended, the FUE (N) increased. With the application of fertilizer, oil content decreased and, contrary to it, oil yield increased owing to higher seed yield of pronounced yield-contributing attributes.