Abstract
ObjectivesThe indigenous oilseed crops are facing the problems of insects, diseases attack with poor yield potential. Canola needs high water requirement and also > 50 % shattering losses. Therefore, farmers are compelled to cultivate alternative crops. Sinapis alba is the best replacement of winter rapeseed due to superior phenotypic plasticity for dry temperate climate like Pakistan Pertinent sowing time augments the soil and climatic resources efficiency in a specific ecological zone to expose various phenological stages for appropriate growth and development to achieve potential yield. MethodsField experiments were performed to appraise the suitable sowing date at three locations (NARC, SAWCRI and Talagang) in Pothwar plateau of Pakistan. Six sowing dates from 1st October up to 15th December with fifteen days interval were quart replicated in RCBD during two 2017–18 and 2018–19. Explicated environment of various locations prudently influenced Sinapis alba performance and yield attributes to accomplish potential yield during both years. Among sowing dates, 15th October enormously promoted morphological development to attained maximum mean values of pods plant−1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Among locations, SAWCRI nurtured highest number of plants−2, plant height, primary and secondary branches, pods plant−1, seed pod-1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Variability in Agro-meteorological indices of three locations significantly influenced the interactive effect of year × location × sowing dates for growth and yield attributes of Sinapis alba. It was observed that 15th October sowing at SAWCRI attained 2.25 t ha−1 seed yield that was 10.9 % and 24.4 % higher from the optimal dates at NARC and Talagang that accomplished 84.43 %. 91.12 % and 95.76 % more yield from the delayed (15th Dec) sowing at three locations. ConclusionBetter coordination of soil and climatic conditions with 15th October sowing for growth and development signified the monumental importance of optimal sowing date as the benchmark of superior crop productivity to improve the livelihood of the farmers.
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