Abstract
Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) seed rate and leaf topping experiment was conducted in Ethiopia at Adet experimental
station and on farmers’ fields, for two consecutive years (2005-2006). Complete factorial combination of four topping
treatments (no topping, topping at 20, 30 and 40 days-after emergence) and four seed rates (4, 6, 8, and 10 kg/ha) were tested
in a randomized complete block design with three replications at each year. Leaf topping caused reduction in thousand seeds
weight, seed and oil yield as compared to non-topping. From the experiment it was concluded that if the objective of the
Ethiopian mustard production is for higher oil production, it should be planted at 8 kg/ha seed rate and avoiding leaf topping
practice. However, if the objective of the production is for grain as well as leaf yields, planting it at a seed rate of 10 kg/ha
and topping it 40 days after emergence is the best-recommended practice.
