Are Mustard Seeds cracking in your fields? Here’s an effective way to prevent

mustard crops

Krishi Dunia

• 12 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

As winter approaches, farmers cultivating mustard face new challenges. The chill in the mornings and evenings, along with the intense sun during the day, clearly impacts the crops. This year, the high temperatures have caused increased problems in mustard crops. Let's take a look at the reasons behind the problems and the ways to prevent them.

Impact of High Temperatures on Mustard Crops:

This year, mustard cultivation in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh has been directly affected by the rising temperatures.

Reduced Germination:

• Due to higher-than-normal temperatures in October and November, mustard sowing has been affected in many areas.
• The excessive heat has caused the germinated crops to wilt.

Increase in Crop Diseases:

• Higher temperatures have increased issues like stem rot, root rot, and bacterial infections in mustard crops.
• In Rajasthan, the temperature has been 2 to 7°C higher than usual, negatively impacting crop growth.

Ways to Protect Mustard Crops:

To protect mustard crops from cracking and diseases, agricultural experts recommend adopting the following simple measures:

Tips to Reduce the Impact of High Temperatures:

1. Use of Pentonite Sulphur:
   • Apply 1.5 to 2 kg of Pentonite Sulphur per Bigha as a spray on the field.
   • This helps protect plants from rotting.
2. Spraying Metalaxyl:
   • In case of root rot issues, mix 0.5 grams of Metalaxyl in 1 liter of water and spray it on the crops.

Disease Management Measures:

1. Use of Carbendazim:
   • In the early stages, prepare a 0.2% solution of Carbendazim and spray it on the crops.
   • In case of bacterial infections, mix 3 grams of Streptocycline and 30 grams of Carbendazim in 15 liters of water and spray it on the affected areas.
2. Protection Against Stem Rot:
   • Burn the diseased crop residues to clear the field.
   • Avoid excessive irrigation and prepare a solution of 1 gram of Bavistin (Carbendazim) per liter of water and spray it on the crops.

Field Maintenance and Care:

• Keep the field free from weeds.
• Water the crops as per their requirement.

Mustard Sowing Statistics in Rajasthan:

• According to government reports, by November 21, mustard sowing in Rajasthan covered 3 million hectares, which is 7.2% lower compared to the previous year.
• The main reason for the decrease in sowing area was the high temperatures in October and November.

Conclusion: To protect mustard crops from high temperatures and diseases, it is essential to take timely and appropriate measures. Farmers should adopt the suggested methods to safeguard their crops from potential damage. For better mustard yields, timely spraying, field cleanliness, and regular crop care are necessary.

These suggestions will prove useful in maintaining the health of your mustard crops.