Introducing high-yielding elite mustard cultivars for cultivation in semi-saline soils of South 24-Parganas, West Bengal

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024 at the University Instructional Farm, The Neotia University, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, to evaluate ten genetically diverse mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivars under semi-saline soil conditions. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications to assess growth, yield, and oil-related traits. Significant variability was observed among cultivars for plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield, oil content, and oil yield. NRCHB101 (1066.59 kg/ha) and Sita (1062.19 kg/ha) recorded the highest seed yield, while Anuska exhibited the highest oil content (44.13%) and oil yield (429.15 kg/ha). Results indicate that balanced expression of yield components rather than single traits determines productivity under semi-saline conditions. The study highlights the potential of salt-tolerant cultivars, particularly Anuska, NRCHB101, and Sita, for enhancing mustard productivity and oil yield in coastal regions of West Bengal.