These 4 Diseases Can Destroy Mustard Crops – Learn the Symptoms and Prevention Methods!

4 Deadly Mustard Crop Diseases

Krishi Dunia

• 09 Jan, 2025 12:00 AM IST ,
• Updated Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:25 AM

Mustard is one of the most important crops of the Rabi season. It includes varieties like Toria, Raya, Taramira, Bhuri, and Yellow Mustard. States like Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh grow mustard on a large scale. Due to its low water requirements, mustard farming proves to be more profitable for farmers.

Regular care and timely identification of diseases are crucial for mustard crops. Agricultural scientists believe that early identification and prevention of diseases can increase yield. Let’s learn about the major diseases of mustard crops, their symptoms, and prevention methods.

Major Mustard Diseases and Their Symptoms

1. Alternaria Blight
This is the most common disease affecting mustard crops. The symptoms are:

• Brown, circular spots on leaves and pods.
• Over time, these spots turn black.
• Circular rings form on the leaves.

2. Fulia or Downy Mildew
The symptoms of this disease are seen on the lower surface of the leaves:

• Brown spots on the lower surface of leaves.
• The upper surface of the spots turns yellow.
• A powdery substance forms on the spots.

3. White Rust
This disease mainly affects late-season crops:

• Small white and cream-colored spots appear on leaves.
• Stems and flowers distort into an abnormal shape, known as "stag head."

4. Stem Rot Disease
The symptoms of this disease are visible on stems and branches:

• Long brown spots on stems.
• White fungus forms on the spots later.
• Stems weaken and break.
• Small black lumps form inside the stems.

Prevention Methods for Diseases

1. For Alternaria Blight, Fulia, and White Rust:

• Mix 600 grams of Mancozeb (Dithane or Indofil M-45) with 250-300 liters of water.
• Spray this solution at the rate of one acre per spray.
• Repeat the spray 3-4 times at 15-day intervals.

2. For Stem Rot Disease:

• Treat seeds with 2 grams of Carbendazim (Bavistin) per kilogram of seed.
• In areas where stem rot occurs repeatedly, spray a 0.1% solution of Carbendazim 45-50 days after sowing and again at 65-70 days.

3. Correct Timing for Spraying:

• Always spray after 3 PM.
• This ensures that the effectiveness of the chemicals lasts longer.

Scientists' Advice and Awareness

Scientists from the Department of Oilseeds at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University have provided specific recommendations to help farmers combat these diseases. After visiting research areas, they advised farmers to control diseases for better crop yield.

Timely identification and prevention of mustard crop diseases can lead to better profits for farmers. By adopting advanced scientific techniques, farmers can enhance both the quality and quantity of their crops.

Conclusion

Regular care and disease management are essential in mustard farming. By following timely spraying schedules and scientific advice, farmers can protect their crops from diseases. Awareness and the right methods can help farmers achieve higher profits at lower costs.