EVALUATION OF CLIMATE-SMART MUSTARD (Brassica juncea L.) VARIETIESUNDER THE SOUTHERN TELANGANA ZONE

Abstract

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is recognized as a climate-smart oilseed crop because of its adaptability to diverse agroclimatic conditions, low water requirement, and tolerance to moisture stress. The crop also serves as a suitable alternative in areas affected by wildlife interference as its pungent nature and glucosinolate content make it less susceptible to damage by wild animals. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022–23 in a forest-fringe village of Nagar kurnool district, Southern Telangana to evaluate the performance of different mustard varieties under local agro-climatic conditions. Nine mustard varieties i.e., PM 25, PM 27, Pusa Tarak, Pusa Jagannath, Pusa Mehak, NRCHD 101, Pusa agrani, NRCDR 2 and Black gold were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were recorded and analyzed statistically. Significant variation was observed among the tested varieties for growth and yield characteristics. Among the varieties, Pusa Tarak recorded the highest plant height, number of siliquae per plant, siliqua length, seed yield, straw yield, and harvest index. The superior performance of Pusa Tarak indicated its better adaptability and productivity under the prevailing environmental conditions. The study demonstrated the potential of mustard cultivation as a climate-smart option for forest-fringe areas of Southern Telangana. Based on overall performance, Pusa Tarak was found to be the most promising variety for achieving higher productivity and improving farm income under conditions where crop damage by wild animals is a major concern.