Physiological analysis of growth and yield variation of rapeseed and mustard

Abstract

Rapeseed and mustard crops are the second most important source of edible oil after groundnut in India. The average yield of these crops is around 600 kg/ha which has been static for several years. These low yields are of increasing concern in view of the short supply of oil seeds in India. Considerable breeding efforts are being directed to improving production potential as well as stability of yield in these crops (Prakash, 1980). An understanding of the physiological basis of yield formation can be of great help in selecting for high and stable yields. However, there is little information available on the production physiology of these crops (Mehrotra, Saxena & Moosa, 1976; Bhargava & Tomar, 1982).