Effect of Sowing Time,Planting Geometry and Topping on Seed Yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha

Abstract—To optimize sowing time, spacing and topping schedule for quality mesta seed production, an experiment with three dates of sowing [21st May (D1), 5th June (D2) and 21st June (D3)], three spacing treatments [30 x 10 cm (S1), 45 x 10 cm (S2) and 60 x 10 cm (S3)] and two topping schedules [30 DAS (T1) and 45 DAS (T2)] were laid out in split-split-plot arrangements with three replications. Different yield attributing characters and seed yield of roselle was significantly influenced by date of sowing and spacing arrangements. It was observed that sowing dates influenced different growth parameters as well as yield significantly. D2 sown crop recorded maximum seed yield (6.4q ha-1) and statistically at par with D3 (6.17q ha-1).Similarly spacing arrangements also had a significant impact seed yield of roselle, with highest seed yield of 6.4q ha-1 obtained under 45×10 cm spacing followed by 60×10 cm spacing (6.28q ha-1).Topping done at 45 DAS resulted in 5.3% higher yield than that of 30 DAS. Yield attributing characters were not significantly influenced by topping schedules. Maximum net return of above Rs 27,000/ha was obtained, when the crop was sown on 5th June, with 45cmX10cm spacing and topping scheduled on 45 DAS with a B:C ratio of 1.76.Hence, it can be suggested that, sowing of mesta (roselle) during 1st week of June to third week of June with 45 x 10 cm and topping at 45 DAS should be recommended to harvest maximum quantity seeds in east and south eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha.