Kentucky State University
Effect of Planting Date on Biomass and Glucosinolate Production by Brassica Juncea Cover Crops
Institution
Kentucky State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michael Bomford; Brian Geier
Abstract
Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., can be used as a cover crop in agricultural systems to reduce emerging weed populations and build soil organic matter content. It contains glucosinolates, which have attracted some attention for their potential to suppress certain pests and soil-borne diseases, including white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. We conducted a study to gauge the effect of planting date on B. juncea biomass and glucosinolate production in Kentucky. Weather permitting, B. juncea var. ‘Pacific Gold’ was direct seeded weekly between 24 April and 3 July, 2008 in three replicated 10 m2 plots. Aboveground biomass was collected for measurements of fresh weight, dry weight, and glucosinolate content. Biomass production (y in g m-2) declined with planting date (x, where 24 Apr = 0) according to the equation y = -38.7x + 1916. The final two plantings failed to establish. We conclude that B. juncea var. ‘Pacific Gold’ is best planted in early spring, and is not a suitable summer cover crop for Kentucky.
Effect of Planting Date on Biomass and Glucosinolate Production by Brassica Juncea Cover Crops
Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., can be used as a cover crop in agricultural systems to reduce emerging weed populations and build soil organic matter content. It contains glucosinolates, which have attracted some attention for their potential to suppress certain pests and soil-borne diseases, including white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. We conducted a study to gauge the effect of planting date on B. juncea biomass and glucosinolate production in Kentucky. Weather permitting, B. juncea var. ‘Pacific Gold’ was direct seeded weekly between 24 April and 3 July, 2008 in three replicated 10 m2 plots. Aboveground biomass was collected for measurements of fresh weight, dry weight, and glucosinolate content. Biomass production (y in g m-2) declined with planting date (x, where 24 Apr = 0) according to the equation y = -38.7x + 1916. The final two plantings failed to establish. We conclude that B. juncea var. ‘Pacific Gold’ is best planted in early spring, and is not a suitable summer cover crop for Kentucky.