Growth Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.

) to Different Planting Practices

Abriam, Jeffrey S.

Alejandro, Clarence M.

Agbayani, Rachelle SM.

A Research Paper Submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Crop

Science, College of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University,
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines in
Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for AGRIC 2125

June 2023
 Introduction

Leafy Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) belongs to the family Brassicaceae; its

origin is undefined but is thought to have originated in Central Asia. A tall, unbranched

annual with various leaf shapes and sizes, flowers (with or without) and a terminal

raceme inflorescence. It thrives on nutrient-dense, well-drained sandy soils. Leaf

mustard is commonly grown in Southeast Asian nations. Leaf mustard is a popular green

vegetable on the area market. This vegetable is prepared in a variety of ways, including

stir-frying, pickling, and brining. It has a distinct flavor and a strong scent.

In the Philippines, leafy mustard is known as Mustasa. Indeed, one of the

healthiest green leafy vegetables accessible in the country. Leaves are consumed as green

leafy vegetables, either raw or pickled in brine, and are often used in soups and stews. Its

beautiful top greens contain higher levels of vitamin A, carotene, vitamin K, and

flavonoid anti-oxidants than other fruits and vegetables (Pinoyentre, 2019). With these

attributes and uses, leaf mustard has established itself as one of the most prominent green

vegetables in the country.

Sowing at proper time allows sufficient growth and development of a crop to

obtain a satisfactory yield and also provide variable environmental conditions within the

same location for growth and development of crop and yield stability. (Bali et al.,

2010). Direct seeding involves sowing mustard seeds directly into the soil, either by

broadcasting or using a seed drill. This method can result in variable seedling emergence
and spacing due to environmental conditions and competition from weeds. Mustard

plants grown from direct seeding tend to have a deeper and more extensive root system,

which can help them better access soil resources such as water and nutrients.

Transplanting, on the other hand, involves growing mustard seedlings in a

controlled environment such as a greenhouse or nursery and then transplanting them into

the field. This method allows for more precise and uniform plant spacing, which can

reduce competition for resources and improve yields. Transplanted mustard plants also

tend to have a shallower root system, which can make them more susceptible to

environmental stress such as drought. However, the reduced competition for resources

can offset this disadvantage and result in higher yields. (Porciuncula et al., 2014;

Shimoguchi & Mojica, 2016). Therefore. This study aims to identify the growth of

mustard subjected to the various planting practices, most effective planting practices for

mustard, and cost efficient method in mustard production.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to assess the growth response of mustard to

different planting practices. Specifically, it aims to:

1. Determine the growth of mustard subjected to the various planting practices;

2. Identify the most effective planting practices for mustard, and

3. Determine the cost efficient method in mustard production.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to investigate the potential growth response of mustard subjected

to different planting practices. More precisely, it seeks to answer these following

questions:

1. Is there significant different between the number of leaves and leaf size of

mustard?

2. How many leaves do mustard have?

 Direct planting

 Indirect planting

3. Which planting practices is most effective can be recommended to farmers for

improving growth of mustard?

 Review Related Literature

In the Philippines, leafy mustard is known as Mustasa. Leaves are consumed as

green leafy vegetables, either raw or pickled in brine, and are often used in soups and

stews. With these attributes and uses, leaf mustard has established itself as one of the

most prominent green vegetables in the country. (Gonzaga, A. M., 2019).

Indeed, one of the healthiest green leafy vegetables accessible in the country.

Leaves are consumed as green leafy vegetables, either raw or pickled in brine, and are

often used in soups and stews. Its beautiful top greens contain higher levels of vitamin A,

carotene, vitamin K, and flavonoid anti-oxidants than other fruits and vegetables

(Pinoyentre, 2019). With these attributes and uses, leaf mustard has established itself as

one of the most prominent green vegetables in the country. Mustard is cultivated in

mostly under temperate climates. It is also grown in certain tropical and subtropical

regions as a cold weather crop. Indian mustard is reported to tolerate annual precipitation

of 500 to 4200 mm, annual temperature of 6 to 27°C, and pH of 4.3 to 8.3. Rapeseed-

mustard follows C3 pathway for carbon assimilation. Therefore, it has efficient

photosynthetic response at 15–20°C temperature. At this temperature the plant achieve

maximum CO2 exchange range which declines thereafter. Rai is mostly grown as a

rainfed crop, moderately tolerant to soil acidity, preferring a pH from 5.5 to 6.8, thrives in

areas with hot days and cool night and can fairly sustain drought. Mustard requires well-

drained sandy loam soil. (Kandpal, B. K., & Chauhan, J. S., 2012).
 Direct seeding involves sowing mustard seeds directly into the soil, either by

broadcasting or using a seed drill. This method can result in variable seedling emergence

and spacing due to environmental conditions and competition from weeds. Mustard

plants grown from direct seeding tend to have a deeper and more extensive root system,

which can help them better access soil resources such as water and nutrients. However,

direct seeding may result in lower yields due to uneven plant spacing and competition for

resources. (Bali et al., 2010).

Transplanting, on the other hand, involves growing mustard seedlings in a

controlled environment such as a greenhouse or nursery and then transplanting them into

the field. This method allows for more precise and uniform plant spacing, which can

reduce competition for resources and improve yields. Gonzaga, A. M. (2019).

Transplanted mustard plants also tend to have a shallower root system, which can make

them more susceptible to environmental stress such as drought. However, the reduced

competition for resources can offset this disadvantage and result in higher yields.

(Porciuncula et al., 2014; Shimoguchi & Mojica, 2016). The growth response of mustard

to direct and indirect planting methods can be complex and depend on a variety of factors

such as environmental conditions, management practices, and cultivar characteristics.

The decision to use direct seeding or transplanting should be based on a careful

evaluation of these factors and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each

method in a particular context.

 Materials and Methods

Experimental Crops

In the study, the Namhong type of Ramgo Mustard was used. It is adaptable to

most soil types, but thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7. It is

ideal to transplant. Temperatures ranging from 20 to 25oC are ideal for plant growth. 30

to 45 days after seeding, plants reach maturity.

Treatments

Treatment 1: Direct

Treatment 2: Indirect

Time and Place

The research study was conducted in Purok 7, San Miguel, Quezon, Nueva Ecija.

The planting set up was planted on April 25, 2023, it was be done outside the Central

Luzon State University, College of Agriculture.

Plot Layout

R1T2 R2T1 R3T1

R1T1 R2T2 R3T2

Data Gathering

The data gathered on the study, Growth Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea

L.) to Different Planting Practices includes the:

 Germination rate,

 Number of leaves (pieces),

 Leaf area (cm2),

 Fresh plant weight (g),

 Average marketable yield (kg) per treatment, and

 Unmarketable yield.

No. of seeds germinated

 Germination percentage= ¿ x 100
Total number of seeds planted

 Leaf area= (Leaf Lenght x leaf Width)

Statistical Analysis

The collected data was analyzed statistically using the Statistical Tool for

agricultural Research (STAR) in a complete randomized design.

 Result and Discussion

Graph 1. Germination Rate

Germination Rate
Treatment 1 Treatment 2
9.33

7.67

Graph 1 shows the germination rate of mustard after 7 days for direct planting,

which has the highest mean of 2.60, and indirect planting, which has the lowest mean of

2.47. It shows that direct planting is better on second-week plants. In most fields, lower

values for the coefficient of variation are considered better because there is less

variability around the mean.

Graph 2. Number of Leaves

Number of Leaves
Treatment 1 Treatment 2

5.33
5.27
4.6
4.4
3.07
3.07
2.47

2.6
2.33
2.33

W eek 1 W eek 2 W eek 3 W eek 4 W ee k 5

Graph 2 shows the number of leaves of mustard from week 1 to week 5. In week

1, treatment 1 and treatment 2 had the same mean of 2.33. In week 2, treatment 1 had the

highest mean of 2.60, while treatment 2 had 2.47. In week 3, treatment 1 and treatment 2

had the same mean of 3.07. In week 4, the mean of treatment 1 was higher at 4.60. In

week 5, the mean of treatment 1 was higher than treatment 2, which only had 5.27.
Graph 3. Leaf Area

Leaf Area
Treatment 1 Treatment 2

37.5

36.19
14.23
14.5
6.21
6.21
5.84
4.97
1.43

1.37

Week 1 Week 2 We ek 3 Wee k 4 Wee k 5

Graph 3 shows the leaf area of mustard from week 1 to week 5. In week 1,

treatment 1 had the highest mean of 1.43, while treatment 2 only had 1.37. In week 2,

treatment 2 had the highest mean of 5.84, while treatment 1 had 4.97. In week 3,

treatment 1 and treatment 2 had the same mean of 6.21. In week 4, treatment 1 had a

higher mean of 14.50, and treatment 2 had 14.23. In week 5, the mean of treatment 1,

with 37.50, was higher than treatment 2, with only 36.19.

Graph 4. Fresh Weight

Fresh Weight
Treatment 1 Treatment 2

14.5

11.9

Graph 4 shows the fresh weight of mustard, treatment 1 with the mean of 14.50 is

significant than treatment 2 with the mean of 11.90.

Graph 5. Marketable and Unmarketable

marketable - unmarketable
Treatment 1 Treatment 2
15

6
5
4

Ma rk et a b le U n m a r k et a b l e

Table 1. Cost and Return Analysis

Expenses

Seedlings 20
Polyethylene bag 30
Total expenses 50
Gross income 80
Net income 30
Conclusion

The purpose of the research study is to determine the response of mustard's

growth to different planting practices. The data were collected by the researcher using a

completely randomized design (CRD). The study was carried out using two types of

planting methods: direct and indirect planting practices. Direct seeding means planting at

the crop area with the use of seeds, while indirect seeding means planting with the use of

pre-grown seedlings or plants that have been propagated from seeds.

According to Sharma, S (2013), direct seeding produced higher yields and better

quality mustard than transplanting. The authors suggest that direct seeding is a more

efficient and cost-effective method for growing mustard. In the results of the

experimental research in the five weeks and weekly observations, it is shown in the mean

that the direct planting was only greater in the number of leaves in the fifth week

observation and also in the leaf area of mustard in the last observation of mustard. The

direct planting got a larger mean than the indirect planting, but when the fresh weight is

determined, the mean average of the indirect planting is 14.50 compared to the direct

planting, which is 11.90.

Recommendation

Both transplanting and direct planting can be viable ways for producing mustard,

and which method to choose depends on a number of factors, including the individual

variety of mustard, the local climate and growth conditions, and the farmer's resources.

Farmers who want to get a head start on their crop can employ transplanting,

which allows them to start their plants indoors or in a greenhouse before taking them to

the field. This can assist the farmer get an early harvest by ensuring that the plants are

robust and healthy before being exposed to the environment. Transplanting can also help

farmers with limited space or who want to optimize their production per square foot by

allowing them to arrange their plants more accurately and densely.

Direct planting, on the other hand, might be a viable alternative for farmers with

a bigger field or who wish to save time and money by planting directly in the ground.

This strategy is especially effective in locations with a short growing season since it

allows the plants to begin developing as soon as possible without requiring a

transplanting step. Direct planting can also help farmers avoid the danger of transplant

shock, which occurs when plants are relocated from one environment to another.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to use transplanting or direct planting will depend

on the specific circumstances and goals of the farmer. Experimenting with both methods
and monitoring the results can help farmers determine which method works best for their

particular situation and need.

References:

Gonzaga, A. M. (2019). The Comparison and Effectiveness of Growth of

mustard in Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 3(2O).

https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/11685.

AccessedJanuary 17, 2023

mari.roseman@ncg.coop. (2016, April 21). Mustard Greens. Co+Op.

https://www.grocery.coop/article/mustard-greens

pinoyentre. (2019, November 4). Production of Mustard Greens (Mustasa) - Franchise,

Business
and Entrepreneur. Pinoy-Entrepreneur.com. https://www.pinoy-
entrepreneur.com/2019/11/04/production-of-mustard-greens-mustasa/. Accessed
January
29, 2023
pinoyentre. (2019, November 4). Production of Mustard Greens (Mustasa) - Franchise,
Business
and Entrepreneur. Pinoy-Entrepreneur.com. https://www.pinoy-
entrepreneur.com/2019/11/04/production-of-mustard-greens-mustasa/. Accessed
January
29, 2023
Pinoyentre. (2019, November 4). Production of Mustard Greens (Mustasa) - Franchise,

Businessand Entrepreneur. Pinoy-Entrepreneur.com. https://www.pinoy-

entrepreneur.com/2019/11/04/production-of-mustard-greens-mustasa/ . Accessed

January29, 2023

Ravindra Kumar Meena, Kumari, M., Ganesh Kumar Koli, Ram Kishor Meena, & Kiran.

(2022).Leafy Mustard: A Healthy Alternative to Green Vegetables. Biotica Research

Today, 4(5),376–378. https://www.biospub.com/index.php/biorestoday/article/view/1466.

AccessedJanuary 30, 2023

Sharma, S. (2013). Effect of direct and transplanting method of sowing on growth, yield

and quality of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). International Journal of Agriculture and

Biology, 15(3), 559-564.

Shekhawat, K., Rathore, S., Premi, O., Kandpal, B. K., & Chauhan, J. S. (2012).

Advances in Agronomic Management of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea(L.)

Czernj. Cosson): An Overview. International Journal of Agronomy, 2012, 1–14.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/408284
 Appendices
GERMINATION RATE

NUMBER OF LEAVES (WEEK 1)

NUMBER OF LEAVES (WEEK 2)

NUMBER OF LEAVES (WEEK 3)

NUMBER OF LEAVES (WEEK 4)

NUMBER OF LEAVES (WEEK 5)

LEAF AREA INDEX (WEEK 1)
LEAF AREA INDEX (WEEK 2)

LEAF AREA INDEX (WEEK 3)

LEAF AREA INDEX (WEEK 4)

LEAF AREA INDEX (WEEK 5)