New Disease Alert in Mustard Crop! Farmers Should Not Ignore — Prevention and Control Measures

Krishi Dunia

• 29 Nov, 2025 01:48 PM IST ,
• Updated Sat, 29 Nov 2025 02:48 PM

This year, excessive rainfall and high humidity have disrupted timely mustard sowing. As a result, crops are increasingly affected by root rot, white mildew, and lodging problems. To assist farmers, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar has issued important guidance.

Why Mustard Crops Are Facing More Problems

Experts from the university explain that continuous rainfall prevented proper soil preparation, leaving farmers with no option but to sow in high-moisture fields. This environment has made mustard plants more vulnerable to diseases and pest attacks.

Major Issues Observed in Mustard

1. Root Rot Disease – Plants start wilting; white fungal growth appears near the roots.
2. White Mildew on Leaves – The underside of leaves develops a white fungus, causing yellowing and eventual drying.
3. Lodging (Ukheda) Disease – Plants begin to topple after the first irrigation.

Advice on Painted Bug (Chitkabra Pest)

• Normally, this pest appears early in the season, but low temperatures this year have limited its activity.
• Some farmers are still spraying insecticides unnecessarily.

University Recommendation:
 Do not spray any insecticides at this stage.

Control of Root Rot

Caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Sclerotium, root rot symptoms appear within 10–15 days.

Control Measures:

• Spray Carbendazim 0.1% solution.
• Apply with plenty of water to ensure thorough wetting of soil and plants.
• Repeat the spray after 15 days, if necessary.

Control of White Mildew (Phulia Disease)

White fungal growth on the lower surface of leaves is a key symptom. Leaves turn yellow and dry.

Treatment Options:

• Mancozeb (Dithane M-45)
  OR
• Metalaxyl 4% + Mancozeb 64%
• Use 2.5 g per liter of water for spraying.

If both root rot and white mildew occur together:

• Prepare a tank mix of Carbendazim 0.1% + Mancozeb 0.25%
• Repeat spray after 15 days, if needed.

Wilting of Leaves After Irrigation

Excess moisture and prolonged water retention in the field can cause leaves to wilt, weakening the plants.

Special Recommendations:

• Apply light irrigation only.
• Delay the first irrigation by 10 days in overly wet areas.

Treatment for Weak Plants:

• Spray a solution of Carbendazim 1 g + Streptocycline 0.3 g per liter of water.

If Many Plants Are Dying

• In severely affected fields, farmers can resow mustard by 10th November.
• Seeds are available from the university.

Seed Treatment:

• Treat seeds with Carbendazim 2 g per kg before sowing.

This guidance helps protect mustard crops, minimize losses, and ensure healthy growth despite challenging weather conditions.