Enhancement of Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica JunceaL.) Var. Varuna by Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin-B1) Application

Abstract

One field experiment was conducted according to simple randomised block design on mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Var. Varuna to establish the most suitable concentration for soaking of mustard seeds in thiamine hydrochloride solutions of concentrations, that is, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09 and 0.12% on the performance of mustard. The parameters such as plant dry weight, leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were calculated from 40 to 120 days after sowing (DAS). Yield and its components such as number of pods per plant, 1000 seed weight, yield; biological yield, harvest index and oil yield were measured at harvest. In general soaking of seeds in 0.03% of thiamine hydrochloride solution was found to be the best in comparison to any other concentration of the treatment for most of the parameter studied. In growth parameters, leaf area, plant dry weight showed significant results at the early stages of sampling (that is, 40–80 DAS). CGR also followed the same trend; however, RGR and NAR did not follow the same at any stage of the sampling. Yield parameters like the pod number per plant, biological yield and seed yield as well as oil yield registered significant result. Thus, it was concluded that soaking of mustard seeds in 0.03% thiamine hydrochloride ensured better growth and yield.