Performance of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) varieties under varying sowing and fertilizer management in rainfed condition

Yield performance of 4 linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties was teste d under different sowing methods and fertilizer levels in rainfed condition on clay-clom soils of Raipur, during winter season of 1993-94 and 1994-95. 'Kiran' linseed gave the maximum seed yield, followed by 'R 552', 'RLC 29' and 'Local'. Branches/plant, capsules/plant and seeds/capsule mainly contr ibuted to the seed yield. Skip-row sowing (missing seeding in a row after 3 regular rows) achieved by using three-fourths of the quantity of recommend ed seeds and fertilizers (18.5 kg seed, 22.5 kg N, 30 kg P2O5/ha and 15 kg K2O/ha) and resulted in the maximum seed and straw yields, and the yields w ere significantly higher than those obtained from regular sowing with recom mended quantity of seeds and fertilizer (25 kg seed, 30 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 an d 20 kg K2O/ha). Increase in fertilizer dose beyond recommended dose did no t increase the yields.