EFFECT OF TIME OF SOWING AND TOPPING ON SEED YIELD OF ROSELLE (HIBISCUS-SABDARIFFA)

A field experiment was conducted for 2 consecutive rainy (kharif) seas ons (1990 and 1991) on Alfisols of Amadalavalasa, to investigate the e ffect of time of sawing and topping on seed yield of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L). Early sowing during third week of June improved both y ields and monetary returns. Topping at 60 days after sowing influenced various yield attributes, resulting in 11.9% higher yield than no top ping. However when both seed and fibre yields were considered, topping did not appear profitable.