Effect of genotype, seedling age and row spacing on performance of transplanted African mustard (Brassica carinata) under late-sown conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2001–02 and 2002–03 at Ludhiana, to evaluate the performance of transplanted African mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) under late sown conditions. Genotype ‘PC 5–17’ gave 5% higher seed yield than ‘PC 5’. Leaf-area index, secondary branches/plant, siliquae/plant, oil content, oil yield and net returns were significantly more in genotype ‘PC 5–17’ compared to ‘PC 5’. The row spacing of 20, 30 and 40 cm resulted in similar seed yield during both the years. Transplanting of 45 days old seedlings resulted in 34.5% higher seed yield than direct seeding. Transplanting of seedlings of 30 and 60 days age also gave 27.8 and 33.5% respectively higher seed yield than direct seeding. Leaf-area index, number of primary and secondary branches/plant, siliquae/plant, oil yield, protein yield and net returns were significantly higher in transplanted crop than direct-seeded ones.