Mustard crops, including varieties like toria, African sarson, Taramira, and Raya, thrive when sown during specific periods: toria from early September to October, African sarson and Taramira throughout October, and Raya from mid-October to late November. When grown alongside main crops like rapeseed, sowing times are adjusted to synchronize growth stages and optimize resource use.

Indian mustard is grown extensively in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and parts of South India like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Yellow sarson is a Rabi crop in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, while in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, it is grown as a catch crop. Brown sarson, once widespread, has decreased in cultivation area, replaced largely by Indian mustard. It includes ecotypes like Lotni and Toria, with Toria being a short-duration crop grown under irrigated conditions. Gobhi sarson, a newer oilseed crop, is gaining popularity in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh as a long-duration crop.

Mustard requires cool and dry weather for its cultivation. Optimum temperature for its growth is around 22-25^oC. Sowing temperature should be around 20-22^oC and harvesting temperature should be 28-30^oC is required.

Mustard can be grown in variety of soil but thrives best in Sandy loam to clayey loam soil. Mustard cannot tolerate water logging conditions. Soils having neutral pH is ideal for its growth and development.

Following are the types of sowing method in Mustard-

1. Broadcasting-

Broadcasting, involves spreading mustard seeds evenly over a prepared seedbed, ensuring they are lightly covered with soil afterward. This method is effective for small to medium-scale farming, promoting uniform seed distribution and facilitating germination. After broadcasting, ensuring adequate moisture and monitoring for weed emergence are critical for successful crop establishment. As the mustard plants grow, regular monitoring, weed control, and appropriate crop management practices help ensure healthy growth and optimal yield.

2. Line Sowing-

Sowing mustard using the line sowing method involves preparing a well-leveled seedbed and marking straight rows or furrows at recommended spacing. Seeds are placed evenly along these rows, typically at a depth of 1-2 centimeters, and covered with soil. After sowing, ensuring adequate moisture and monitoring for seedling emergence are crucial. As the mustard plants grow, managing weeds, providing nutrients, and adjusting irrigation support healthy crop development and optimal yield.

3. Dibbling-

Sowing mustard seeds using the dibbling method involves preparing a well-prepared seedbed and creating small holes or depressions at regular intervals. Seeds are placed into these holes and covered lightly with soil. Adequate irrigation after sowing and careful monitoring for seedling emergence are essential.

Seed Rate-

Seed rate depend on several factors such as variety used, climatic conditions. Generally for Rapeseed, the seed rate used is 1-2kg/acre. For hybrid variety the seed rate taken is around 2-2.5kg/acre. For other varieties, seed rate should be around 3-4kg/acre.

Seed Treatment-

To protect seeds from any kind of disease and pathogen treat the seeds with Thiram @3gm/kg of seeds or to protect it from white rust and powdery mildew treat the seeds with Metalaxyl 4% + Mancozeb 64% @6gm/kg of seeds and to protect it from seed borne disease treat the seeds with Trichoderma @5gm/kg of seeds.

Spacing-

For rapeseed maintain row to row spacing of 30 cm while plant to plant spacing should be 10-15cm.  For Gobi Sarson keep row to row spacing of 45 cm while plant to plant spacing of 30 cm.

Depth-

Seeds should be sown at a depth of 3-4 cm

To ensure optimal germination, prepare a finely pulverized seedbed by deep plowing followed by cross-harrowing. Remove weeds and stubbles thoroughly to create uniform soil texture. Plow the land two to three times, harrow twice, and use a plank after each plowing to firm the soil.

Before sowing seeds, it is important to provide irrigation to prepare the soil with adequate moisture. Throughout the growth cycle, mustard crops typically benefit from approximately three irrigations, spaced at three-week intervals after sowing. It is particularly beneficial to apply irrigation at critical stages such as before flowering (pre-bloom) and during pod filling.

Incorporate 15-20 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) or compost during the initial field preparation phase. This addition enriches the soil with organic nutrients, enhancing its fertility and supporting healthy crop growth.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

For accurate fertilizer application:

• Conduct soil testing for precise nutrient requirements.
• For irrigated toria crops, apply Urea @ 55 kg/acre and Super Phosphate @ 50 kg/acre in a ratio of N:P

= 25:8 kg/acre. Add Potash only if soil lacks it.

• For raya and gobhi sarson under irrigation, use Urea (90 kg/acre), SSP (75 kg/acre), and MOP (10 kg/acre) in a ratio of N:P

= 40:12:6 kg/acre.

• Rainfed raya crops require Urea @ 33 kg/acre and Super Phosphate @ 50 kg/acre.
• Apply Urea just before pre-sowing irrigation.
• For toria, apply all fertilizers before sowing; for raya and gobhi sarson, split the application with half before sowing and half with the first irrigation. In rainfed conditions, apply all fertilizers before sowing. These practices optimize nutrient use, ensuring crops receive essential elements for healthy growth and higher yields.

To effectively manage weeds in your crops:

Ensure to weed and hoe two to three times every two weeks when weed growth is minimal.

For Toria crops, incorporate Trifluralin at a rate of 400ml per 200 liters of water per acre before planting to prevent weed growth.

For Raya crops, apply Isoproturon either as a pre-emergence spray within two days of sowing at a rate of 400gm per 200 liters of water, or as a post-emergence spray 25-30 days after sowing for effective weed control.

1. Mustard Aphid-

Stage of attack- Flowering and fruiting stage

Symptoms of damage-

Both nymphs and adult insects feed by extracting sap from leaves, buds, and pods. When plants are infested, leaves may curl, and if left untreated, the plants can eventually wither and perish. Infected plants often show stunted growth, and a black mold called sooty mold can develop on the sugary secretion left behind by the insects.

Favorable Conditions-

Temperature of 22-29^oC and high relative humidity favors the growth of this pest.

Management-

To avoid pest damage, planting the crop earlier than usual can help evade infestations. Another effective strategy is to apply pesticides such as Dimecron 100 at 250 ml per hectare, Metasystox 25 EC @1.5ml/L of water, or Rogor 30 EC @2ml/L of water.

2. Hairy Caterpillar-

Stage of attack- Early stage of crop growth

Symptoms-

When newly hatched caterpillars emerge, they gather in groups on the underside of leaves, where they consume the leaf’s outer layer. As these larvae mature, they spread out and feed individually, devouring entire leaf surfaces except for the central veins.

If this pest, known as the Bihar hairy caterpillar, strikes during the green pod stage, it voraciously consumes the pod’s green tissues. This severe feeding can lead to premature shriveling and drying of seeds, causing significant yield losses for the crop.

Favorable Conditions-

Warm Climate, Early Planting, high humidity favors the growth of caterpillar.

Management-

Spray Malathion 50EC @200ml/acre

3. Painted Bug-

Stage of attack- Seedling stage

Symptoms-

• Adult and juvenile bugs feed on sap from every part of the plant.
• Infestation causes young plants to droop and eventually dry out.
• Adult insects produce a sticky resin that contaminates pods, compromising their quality.
• Mature plants affected by these bugs suffer both in terms of yield quantity and quality, with losses potentially reaching up to 31%.
• Even after harvesting, the crop stored on the threshing floor remains vulnerable to infestation by these insects.

Favorable Conditions-

High temperature, high relative humidity favors the growth of painted bug.

Management-

• Deep ploughing should be done to destroy eggs and buried in the soil.
• Early sowing is crucial to avoid susceptibility to pest attacks.
• Proper irrigation within four weeks after sowing helps minimize pest damage by creating unfavorable conditions for their development.
• Harvested crops should be threshed promptly to prevent prolonged exposure to pests.
• Burning leftover mustard crop residues helps prevent the insects from carrying over to the next year’s crop stages.
• Hand-remove bugs congregating on leaves and stems
• Encourage natural pest control by preserving bio-control agents like Alophara spp.
• For effective chemical control, spray the crop with Malathion 50 EC at 1000 ml per application, or Dimethoate 30 EC at 625 ml per application mixed in 600-700 liters of water.

4. Diamond Back moth-

Stage of attack- Early stages of growth

Symptoms-

The presence of young larvae results in whitish patches on leaves where they scrape off the epidermal tissues. As they mature, these larvae cause leaves to appear wilted, eventually progressing to bore holes through them. In advanced stages of infestation, leaves may be entirely consumed. Moreover, the larvae also penetrate into pods, feeding on developing seeds, further impacting crop yield and quality.

Favorable Conditions-

Moderate temperature of 20-30^oC, high relative humidity favors the growth of diamond back moth.

Management-

• Collect and destroy the infected plants from the field.
• Apply Malathion 5% @5-10kg/acre
• Set up Pheromone trap @3/acre

5. Mustard Sawfly-

Stage of attack- Seedling stage

Symptoms-

In the early stages, the larva begins by nibbling on the edges of leaves before progressing towards the midrib as it matures. These grubs are responsible for creating many small holes across the leaves and can extensively damage them with their voracious feeding habits, sometimes perforating entire leaves.

Additionally, they target the shoots, consuming the outer layer and causing seedlings to dry up. In mature plants, their feeding behavior can prevent the development of seeds altogether.

The impact on yield can range from 5% to 18%, with severe cases at the seedling stage necessitating the re-sowing of crops.

Favorable Conditions-

Moderate temperature of 15-22^oC High relative humidity favors the growth of mustard sawfly.

Management-

• Summer plough to destroy the pupa
• Maintain field sanitation
• Apply irrigation in seedling stage for sawfly management because most of the larvae die due to drowning effect.
• Collect and destroy infected plants from the plant.
• Apply Malathion 50EC @7ml/L of water

6. Flea Beetles-

Stage of attack- Early stages of growth

Symptoms-

• Flea beetles create tiny holes in the leaves giving them shoot holed appearance. These holes are small and round.
• They stripe away the leaf tissue leads to skeletonization of leaves.
• Leads to stunted growth of the plants
• In extreme cases, infestation leads to wilting and yellowing of leaves.

Favorable Conditions-

Temperature over 14^oC and moist weather favors the growth of flea beetles.

Management-

• Set up Yellow Sticky trap @4-6/acre
• Control Weed Population
• Apply Carbaryl 50%WDP @4gm/L of water.
• Spray Malathion 50%EC @250-300ml/acre

7. Leaf Miner-

Stage of Attack- Seedling to early Vegetative Stage

Symptoms-

Leaves exhibit mining, resulting in their withering and a subsequent reduction in the plant’s strength. This damage is more apparent on the older leaves.

Favorable Conditions-

• Warm temperature upto 20-30°C
• High Humidity
• Infrequent rainfall

Management-

• Collect and destroy the affected plants from the field and maintain field sanitation.
• Spray Dimethoate 30EC @2ml/L of water
• Remove all alternate host
• Apply Neem oil to affected foliage.
• Practice crop rotation to break its life cycle.
• Application of Malathion 50%EC @10-12ml/15L of water
• Introduce natural enemies in the field such as Chrysocharis and Diglyphus spp.

8. Cabbage Head Borer-

Stage of attack- Seedling and Vegetative Stage

Symptoms-

The Caterpillar first create mines in the leaves, turning them into white, papery structures, As they develop, they begin to feed on the leaves and eventually bore into the stems. The entrance holes they make are typically covered with silk and their excreta.

Favorable Conditions-

Temperature between 20-30°C and high relative humidity upto 80% favors the growth of this insect.

Management-

• Remove the affected plants from the field.
• Dust Malathion 5% @5-10kg/acre.

1. Downy Mildew-

Causal Organism- Peronospora parasitica

Symtoms-

Symptoms of the disease initially manifest as light green or slightly yellowing lesions, which later turn yellow or necrotic after sporulation occurs. These lesions are angular and vary in size, often bordered by large veins. Under cool, moist conditions, the undersides of the leaves develop a fluffy or downy texture due to sporulation. Over time, older lesions become necrotic and may appear translucent as they are invaded by secondary saprophytes. While seedlings can be severely affected and may develop dark brown vascular systems, older plants typically survive even in the case of serious infections.

Favorable Conditions-

Cool moist conditions favors the growth of this disease.

Management-

• Plant resistant varieties
• Avoid furrow or sprinkler irrigation instead use drip irrigation.
• Use copper based fungicides to control this disease

2. Alternaria Blight-

Causal Organism- Alternaria brassicae

Symptoms-

The disease initially targets the lower leaves, causing small, circular brown necrotic spots that gradually expand in size. In severe cases, multiple concentric spots merge to create large patches, resulting in blight and defoliation. Additionally, dark brown lesions, which can be circular or linear, appear on stems and pods, becoming elongated as the disease progresses. Infected pods yield small, discolored, and shriveled seeds.

Favorable Conditions-

Relative Humidity more than 70%, temperature upto 20-25^oC favors the growth of this disease.

Management-

• Practice crop rotation
• Use disease resistant varieties
• Collect and destroy the affected plants from the field and maintain field sanitation.
• Avoid planting during high humidity
• Avoid overhead irrigation instead use drip irrigation
• Use fungicide such as

Chlorothalonil 75% WP @100gm/acre

Azoxystrobin @1gm/L of water

Mancozeb 75%WP @2gm/L of water

Propiconazole 25%EC @2ml/L of water

3. Black rot-

Causal Organism- Xanthomonas campestris

Symptoms-

Infection of the leaves leads to the development of yellow ‘V’-shaped spots along the edges, which grow toward the midrib. These spots are often accompanied by a distinct blackening of the veins. The infection can progress through the xylem into the stalk, causing the vascular bundles to turn black. In cases of severe infection, the entire leaf may become discolored and eventually drop off.

Favorable Conditions-

Warm, Wet Conditions, heavy rain favors the growth of this pathogen

Management-

• Drenching the nursery soil with formaldehyde 0.5% checking the disease.
• Use disease resistant varieties.
• Use drip irrigation instead of furrow or sprinkler irrigation
• Collect and destroy the infected plants from the field
• Use Mancozeb and Ziram to treat this disease.

4. White Rust-

Causal Organism- Albugo candidans

Symptoms-

White to creamy yellow pustules appear on the underside of the leaves. These pustules can merge to create larger patches on the lower surface. On the upper side of the leaves, tan-yellow spots emerge directly above the pustules. Additionally, pustules may also develop on the pods. Infected flowers exhibit a “staghead” condition, where they become sterile, malformed, and green. Various flower parts may appear thick, club-shaped, and significantly enlarged.

Favorable Conditions-

High Humidity, high moisture content, temperature of about 20-25^oC favors the growth of fungus.

Management-

• Use disease resistant varieties.
• Practice crop rotation with non-crucifers plants
• Treat the seeds with Mancozeb 75% WP @4gm/kg of seeds
• Spraying with Metalaxyl 35%WS @1.5gm/L of water

5. Club Root-

Causal Organism- Plasmodiophora brassicae

Symptoms-

Affected plants show yellow symptoms which later recover at night. In the early stages of root growth, a mass of large galls can be seen. This pathogen can survive in soil for many years, so it’s a soil borne disease. Symptoms also include stunted growth of the plants, defoliation.

Favorable Conditions-

Acidic soil, high soil temperature of upto 22-26^oC favors the growth of this fungus.

Management-

• Soil Fumigation with Methyl Bromide
• Treat seeds with Capta,Thiram @4gm/kg of seeds
• Soil drenching with copper oxychloride at 0.25%
• Maintain soil pH if soil is acidic apply lime to the soil
• Practice crop rotation

6. Powdery Mildew-

Causal Organism- Erysiphe polygoni

Symptoms-

Symptoms manifest as dirty white, circular, flour-like patches on both sides of the leaves. When conditions are ideal, the entire leaf, along with stems, flowers, and pods, can be impacted. In severe cases, the entire leaf may be coated with a powdery substance.

Favorable Conditions-

Moderate temperature of upto 20-26^oC , shady weather, Relative humidity of more than 70% , intermittent rainfall favors the growth of this pathogen.

Management-

• Rotate Mustard with non-host crops
• Plant resistant varieties
• Avoid overhead irrigation instead use drip irrigation to avoid excess moisture in the soil
• Collect and remove affected plants from the field
• Apply following fungicide-

Triadimefon 25% WP @1gm/L of water

Myclobutanil 10% WP @2.5gm/L of water

Propiconazole 25%EC @2ml/L of water

7. Bacterial Blight-

Causal Organism- Pseudomonas cannabina

Symptoms-

The leaf tissue begins to yellow, with chlorosis spreading toward the center, creating a V-shaped area with the base pointing towards the midrib. The veins display a brown to black discoloration. Dark streaks develop on the stem starting from the ground level, gradually enlarging and girdling the stem. As a result, the stem becomes hollow due to internal decay. Cracking of the midrib in the lower leaves, browning of the veins, and wilting are also noticeable. In severe cases, the vascular bundles in the stem may turn brown, leading to the collapse of the plant.

Favorable Conditions-

Warm and humid climate the favors the growth of this disease.

Management-

• Maintain field sanitation
• Rotate crops with non-host plants
• Use copper based products such as copper hydroxide and streptomycin to control this disease.
• Ensure balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth of plants

8. Sclerotinia Stem Rot-

Casual Organism- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Symptoms-

The stems exhibit water-soaked spots that may later become covered with a cottony white growth. As the disease advances, the affected areas of the stem take on a bleached appearance, and the tissues may eventually shred. Girdling of the stem leads to premature ripening and causes the plants to lodge. Hard black structures known as sclerotia develop inside the stem and occasionally on its surface, while basal stalk infections are infrequent.

Favorable Conditions-

High Relative Humidity upto 90-95%, temperature between 20-25^oC favors the growth of this pathogen.

Management-

• Use crop rotation with non-host plants.
• Control Weeds
• Maintain field sanitation
• Foliar application of Carbendazim @2gm/L of water

1. Nitrogen-

Symptoms-

Inadequate nitrogen levels can cause older leaves to turn yellow and lead to the growth of thin, elongated stems.

Management-

• Use nitrogen rich fertilizer such as Ammonium nitrate, sulfate and urea in a recommended dose to cure this disease.
• Apply liquid nitrogen directly to the foliage.
• Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce nitrogen leaching.

2. Phosphorus-

Symptoms-

When plants lack sufficient Phosphorus, they often become stunted in size, with roots that do not grow properly. In more severe cases, they can become spindly and weak. If the deficiency worsens, mustard plants may show purple coloring on their stems and leaves, accompanied by stunted overall growth.

Management-

• Use fertilizers that rich in phosphorus such as superphosphate, triplephosphate.

3. Potassium-

Symptoms-

Potassium deficiency often presents with yellowing along the edges of leaves. Plants lacking potassium may exhibit stunted growth, smaller foliage, and less dense stands.

Management-

Apply potassium rich fertilizers such as Potassium sulfate or Potassium chloride can overcome the deficiency to some extent.

4. Iron-

Symptoms-

Chlorosis begins at the leaf base and extends towards the tip. Under severe deficiency, leaves lose color and become wrinkled. Newly emerging leaves turn completely pale, and those below them also show discoloration. Flowering and pod formation decrease, with smaller, yellowish pods appearing.

Management-

Foliar application of 0.5% Ferrous sulphate solution 3-4 times a week can treat its deficiency.

5. Manganese

Symptoms-

Chlorosis initially appears at the tips of middle leaves, progressing to small, grayish-brown spots that merge into large necrotic patches. Leaf edges also become necrotic, causing the leaves to curl downward. Eventually, these symptoms spread to both older and newer leaves. Flower production decreases significantly, with a high percentage of flowers dropping prematurely, leading to poor fruit and pod formation.

Management-

Application of Manganese sulphate can treat the deficiency.

6. Copper-

Symptoms-

Interveinal yellowing appears on young leaves, later turning brittle and necrotic. Plant growth is notably stunted, particularly during flowering and beyond. The formation of flower clusters is inadequate, with many floral buds drying up before opening. Pod formation and seed setting are adversely affected as well.

Management-

Application of Copper sulfate @0.2% solution in 3-4 times a week.

7. Molybednum-

Symptoms-

Molybdenum deficiency severely affects mustard, causing pronounced growth retardation and leading to foliar symptoms like leaf cupping, marginal burning, and lamina deterioration.

Management-

Use of sodium molybdate as foliar application @0.5gm/L of water

8. Zinc-

Symptoms-

Molybdenum deficiency causes significant growth retardation, with symptoms becoming apparent approximately 20 days after planting. The initial true leaf is affected, displaying small size and a pinkish edge. Interveinal areas transition from yellowish-white to papery-white, while veins retain their green color. Leaves may exhibit cupping either upward or downward, and severely affected leaves can perish. Flowering and fruit set are delayed as well.

Management-

Overcoming zinc deficiency involves applying 8-10 kg of zinc sulfate per acre at the time of sowing. Placing zinc sulfate in the seed row adjacent to the seeds maximizes its utilization. Additionally, zinc deficiency can be corrected through foliar spraying of a solution containing 0.5% zinc sulfate and 0.25% slaked lime.

9. Sulphur-

Symptoms-

Deficiency symptoms of sulfur appear first on younger leaves, characterized by chlorosis that begins at the leaf margins and spreads inward, often with purple discoloration. The younger leaf surfaces curl inward, resulting in a cupped shape, followed by scorching and eventual wilting. Flowering is delayed and lacks typical coloration. Pods are produced on short stems with limited growth. Seed setting is poor, and their maturation is delayed. Sulfur-deficient plants also exhibit significant reductions in height, stem diameter, and leaf size.

Management-

Use sulphur rich fertilizer and gypsum.

Harvesting-

The crop’s maturity period ranges from 110 to 140 days, depending on the variety. Harvesting is timed when pods start turning yellow and seeds reach a hardened state. To prevent losses from shattering, harvesting is recommended during morning hours. Using a sickle, crops are cut close to the ground. After harvesting, the crops are stacked and left to dry for 7-10 days before proceeding to threshing.

Yield-

Farmers can get a yield of 8-10quintals/acre.