Effect of Nitrogen Application Timing and Cutting Treatments on Phenology and Leaf Area of Three Brassica Cultivars

Abstract

Brassica has potential as a grain and grazing option for mixed farming operations. The objectives of this experiment were to determine suitable nitrogen (N) application timing and Brassica cultivar for use as a dual-purpose crop. The field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of the Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during winter 2009–2010 in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement. The experiment consisted of three cultivars, three N application timings, and cutting treatments. Plant height and leaf area were greater at two and three split N applications. Likewise, leaf area was greater for N when applied in two split applications. Brassica cultivar Abasin-95 quickly emerged and attained more leaf area and leaf area index when compared to NIFA Raya and Dure-e-NIFA. Abasin-95 and Dure-e-NIFA took fewer days to mature when compared to NIFA Raya. NIFA Raya produced taller plants. Cutting significantly affected all parameters except days to maturity. Early flowering, taller plants, and greater leaf number, area, and leaf area index were noted for no-cut plots when compared to cut plots.

Keywords:

• Brassica
• cultivars
• dual purpose
• nitrogen timing