Progressive Agriculture

Mustard, a major rainfed rabi crop is grown on conserved moisture and experiences subzero temperatures at maturity stage. In the period 2010–2014, a field experiment was conducted involving three varieties and four dates of sowing to escape from frost damage. Only in two years (2011–12 and 2012–13) subzero temperatures occurred. Mustard seed yield was unaffected by changing the date of sowing or variety. Escape from low temperatures by mustard was related to rainwater use efficiency that showed wide variation and failed to reflect the rainfall-yield relationship since profile moisture storage played a significant role. Withdrawal of rains in September is crucial for profile moisture storage as mustard yield was normal in very poor rabi rainfall years. RWUE values varied from 10–40 kg/ha/mm. Analysis of historical data for 40 years revealed that frost occurred in 24 out of 43 years and mustard productivity in frost compared to no frost years, showed no variance meaning that frosting had no effect. Seed yield was numerically higher when mustard was sown in mid of October (2587 kg/ha) and lowest (2102 kg/ha) when sown in the first half (on or around 8^th) of October. Results hinted at one week's delay in sowing and need further confirmation at farmers ’fields before inclusion in the general recommendations of this crop.