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Adaptation of
oilseed mustard under Kenyan conditions
M. J. Mahasi, P. Mbehero and J.W.
Kamundia
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)P. O. Njoro,
Kenya.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
jendekamahasi@yahoo.com .Fax:
+254-051-61576.Tel: +254-020-3510865
Accepted 22 May, 2008
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There is great potential for producing oilseed mustard as a
cash crop and alternative crop for Kenya since its very
early maturing (80 days) and highly adaptable. Oilseed
mustard offers promise for semi-arid areas where Canola is
not adapted. Its early maturity makes it an ideal break
crop. The largest wheat and maize producing districts are
experiencing excessive soil acidity, disease and pest
problems due to continuous cropping. To alleviate this, a
cheap and environmentally safe alternative crop has to be
sought. During the 4 months fallow period after harvest,
mustard can be seeded and ploughed in as green manure to
increase the organic matter in the soil or the seed can be
harvested and sold to the processors. The performance trials
were conducted in two years ( 2002 and 2003) and comprised
of 10 cultivars of oilseed mustards. These were planted at
Njoro, Lanet and Naivasha in a Completely Randomized Block
Design (RCBD) with 4 replicates. The seed rate was 10 kg/ha.
The source of nitrogen and phosphorus was DAP mixed with
the seed at 100 kg/ha during planting. Recommended agronomic
practices were followed and data collected on various
agronomic parameters but only the seed yield was subjected
to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The genotypes were
significantly different (P< 0.05) in Njoro and Lanet
in 2002 and at all sites in 2003. However seed yields at
Lanet were generally low compared to the other 2 sites. Five
lines in Njoro (Kenmd 02, Kenmd 03, Kenmd 08, Kenmd 09,
Kenmd10) ranged between 1273 and 1302 kg/ha. Kenmd 09 and
Kenmd 10 yielded highest in Naivasha (1226 kg/ha) with the
lowest yielder in Njoro (Kenmd 01) being outstanding in
Naivasha (1389 kg/ha). Kenmd 02 and Kenmd 05 were superior
in Njoro and Naivasha in 2003. The superior mustard lines
have been recommended for commercial production.
Key words:
Adaptation, break/exhaust crops biofumigation,
isothiocynates, agroenviroments, glucosinolates.
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