Phenology and physiology of Brassica genotypes wth nitrogen levels on aridisols

The performance of 5 genotypes of Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Coss. 'CS 52', 'Kranti', 'GJM 9056', 'RH 30' and 'RH 8814' and 1 genotype of Brassica napus L. 'GSH 1' under 4 nitrogen levels were studied for two consecutive seasons at Hisar to assess the effect of nitrogen fertilization on phenolog ical and physiological behaviour of Brassica genotypes. The flower initiati on, fall bloom, siliquae formation and 50 % pod browning: were significantl y delayed at 80 kg N/ha compared to 40 kg N/ha in 'GJM 9056' genotype. The trend in other genotypes followed a descending order 'RH 8814', 'CS 52', 'K ranti', 'RH 30', 'GSH 1' in flower initiation and remained up to 50% pod br owning. The Brassica juncea genotypes had better physiological parameters v iz leaf area index and crop growth rate compared with the Brassica napus ge no-type. Leaf area index increased significantly with successive increase i n N levels up to 60 kg N/ha while crop growth rate increased up to applicat ion of 80 kg N/ha.