Physiological Responses of Mustard Genotypes to Different Sowing Dates

Oilseeds crops are the second most important determinant of agricultural economy, next only to cereals. Today, the demand for vegetable oils is out pacing the supply with more than half of its annual requirements being met mainly through imports. India is the 5th largest vegetable oil economy in the world next to USA, China, Brazil and Argentina accounting for 7.4% world oilseed output, 6.1 % of oil meal production, 3.9% world oil meal export 5.8% vegetable oil production, 11.2% of world oil import and 9.3% of the world edible oil consumption. Rapeseed-mustard (Brassica spp.) is one of the most important oilseed crops of the world where India is ranking third in area and production in the world. Among the seven edible oilseeds cultivated in India, rapeseed-mustard contributes 28.6% in the total oilseeds production and ranks second after groundnut sharing 27.8% in the Indiäs oilseed economy. However due to more oil content (ranging from 35-45%) rapeseed-mustard ranks first in terms of oil yield among all oilseeds crops.