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Measures to enlarge flowers and lengthen spikes in mustard crops

Measures to enlarge flowers and lengthen spikes in mustard crops
Measures
09 Dec, 2024 12:00 AM IST Updated Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:09 PM

For better yield in mustard farming, farmers focus on enhancing the size of the flowers. A larger flower size results in bigger pods, which contain more seeds. This leads to higher yields and an increased amount of oil. Here’s how farmers can improve the size of flowers and pods in their mustard crop.

Use of Pesticides to Enhance Flower Size:

To improve both the size and number of mustard flowers, farmers can apply light pesticides. A mixture of 100 grams of Thiamethoxam 25% WG and 300 grams of Tebucanazole 10% + Sulphur 65% WG in 200 liters of water should be sprayed per acre. This method aids in increasing the size of the flowers, which in turn boosts the crop yield.

Other Ways to Increase Flower Size:

Pruning mustard plants is a vital agricultural practice that helps improve flower size and overall plant productivity. Experts recommend pruning the main stem when the plant is 30-35 days old, just before the flowers begin to bloom. This practice controls the plant’s growth and promotes the growth of more branches.
Pruning can lead to a 10-15% improvement in yield, providing farmers with a better return on their crop. Moreover, it helps in the better distribution of air and sunlight, contributing to healthier plant growth and greater resistance to pests.

Use of Thiourea and Thioglycolic Acid:

In case of water scarcity in the fields, prepare a solution of 500 ppm Thiourea or 100 ppm Thioglycolic Acid and spray it on the plants. The first spray should be applied when 50% of the flowers have bloomed (about 40 days after sowing), and the second spray should be done 20 days later. This method boosts both the number and size of the flowers by encouraging more branching, which leads to a higher flower count and larger flowers. It also improves nutrient and sunlight distribution, enhancing the overall yield and quality.

Fertilizer Application for Better Mustard Yields:

For higher yields in mustard crops, a balanced application of chemical fertilizers, along with organic options like earthworm compost, cow dung, and compost manure, is essential. The judicious use of these fertilizers positively impacts crop productivity. Fertilizer application based on soil tests ensures the most effective results.
Mustard crops require essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Proper sulfur supply leads to larger seeds with more oil content. When preparing fertilizer mixtures, ensure that they are sprayed promptly, as keeping the mixture for too long can cause it to degrade into clumps.

Timing of Fertilizer Application: The best time to apply fertilizers is in the evening when the plants are more receptive. This timing ensures that the fertilizers have a greater impact on the crop.

Conclusion: To enhance flower size and achieve better seed production in mustard crops, farmers must follow the right measures at the right time. By adopting the above suggestions, farmers can achieve a higher yield and better quality oil from their mustard harvest.

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