Response of Turnip to Sowing Dates and Phosphorus Levels

Abstract

The present experiment entitled “Response of turnip to sowing dates and phosphorus levels” was conducted during (2020-2021) at the Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar. The experiment was carried out using a Randomized Complete Block Design with a split-plot arrangement having three replications. Different sowing date’s i.e., (1^st, 15^th, 30^th October), were taken in the main plot while phosphorus levels, i.e., (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha^-1), were taken in the sub plot. The data was observed on days to emergence, number of leaves, leaves weight, root length, root weight, root diameter, yield plot^-1, and yield (tons ha^-1). Sowing dates and phosphorus levels have significantly affected all the studied parameters. Maximum number of leaves plant^-1 (13), leaves weight (172.8 g), root length (12.8 cm), root weight (206.1 g), root diameters (8.9 cm), yield plot^-1 (9.4 kg), and yield (20.1 tons ha^-1) with minimum days to emergence (4) were recorded in plants sown on 1^st October. Highest number of leaves (14), leaves weight (177.9 g), root length (14 cm), root weight (213.6 g), root diameters (9.4 cm), highest yield plot^-1 (10.1 kg) and yield (21.8 tons ha^-1) with minimum days to emergence (5) were recorded in plants treated with phosphorus at 100 kg ha^-1. The interaction between sowing dates and phosphorus levels was found to be non-significant. It is concluded that seed sown on (1^st October) and phosphorus levels (100 kg ha^-1) have significantly improved the growth and yield parameters of turnip and hence are recommended for turnip growers in Peshawar.