Dear farmers, if your mustard crop is currently showing good growth and you feel relaxed, it’s time to be cautious. With the onset of cold weather, fog, and rising moisture, the risk of aphid infestation and white rust disease in mustard crops increases rapidly. Even slight negligence at this stage can undo months of hard work.
However, there is no need to panic. With timely identification and the right preventive measures, major crop losses can be avoided. In this report, we explain two essential measures that can help farmers protect their mustard crop effectively.
During December, rising cold conditions and morning-evening fog keep moisture trapped in fields. This creates a favorable environment for fungal diseases and sap-sucking pests. Since mustard crops are usually in their vegetative growth and flowering stage at this time, any attack directly affects yield and seed formation.
According to agricultural experts, white rust (Albugo candida) is a serious disease in mustard crops. It initially appears as small white blister-like spots on leaves. Gradually, these spots spread, weakening the leaves and affecting photosynthesis.
If the infection intensifies, plant growth slows down, flowering is disturbed, and seed filling is adversely affected, leading to significant yield loss.
To manage white rust disease, farmers can use Mancozeb fungicide.
Spraying should be done in clear weather conditions and avoided during strong winds to ensure proper coverage and effectiveness.
Cold temperatures and foggy conditions also promote the spread of aphids, which are small green sap-sucking insects. Aphids attack tender shoots, flowers, and pods, weakening plants and restricting nutrient flow.
As a result, grain development is hampered, directly reducing crop productivity.
Regular field monitoring is the most important step. If aphids are detected at an early stage:
In case of severe attack, farmers may use recommended insecticides such as Metasystox, strictly as per agricultural expert advice.
Agricultural experts emphasize that farmers should not fear pests and diseases but instead focus on timely action and preventive care. Regular crop inspection, balanced irrigation, and correct use of approved pesticides can effectively protect mustard crops.
Proper management not only ensures healthy yields but also helps farmers avoid economic losses during the critical crop stage.
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