Two dangerous pests that damage the mustard crop, easy ways and measures to prevent them, Know here

mustard crop

Krishi Dunia

• 28 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Sat, 28 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

Mustard cultivation is an important crop for farmers, but pest attacks can severely affect production. Pests such as aphids and sawflies cause significant damage to mustard crops.

• Aphid (Lahi): This pest sucks sap from the leaves, stems, and pods, weakening the plant.
• Sawfly (Ara Makhi): The larvae of this pest feed on the leaves, hindering plant growth.

These pests not only deteriorate the quality of the crop but also lead to a significant reduction in yield. The Agricultural Department has suggested effective measures for pest identification and management.

1. Sawfly in Mustard Crop:

Identification of the Pest: The adult sawfly is orange-yellow in color with a black head. The female has an ovipositor (egg-laying organ) shaped like a saw, which is why it is called "sawfly." Its larvae feed on the leaves, causing damage to the crop.

Management Measures:

1. Deep Ploughing After Harvest:
   • Deep ploughing destroys the pupae present in the soil, breaking the pest's lifecycle.
2. Use Neem-based Insecticides:
   • Mix 5 ml of Azadiractin 1500 PPM (Neem-based insecticide) in 1 liter of water and spray it on the crop.
3. Use Chemical Insecticides:
   • Apply Fenvalerate 0.5% dust at a rate of 20-25 kg per hectare in the morning.
   • Dilute 1 ml of Oxydemeton Methyl 25 EC in 1 liter of water and apply it as a spray.

2. Aphid in Mustard Crop:

Identification of the Pest: Aphids are small, soft-bodied pests that are usually yellow-green or black-brown. They suck sap from the leaves, stems, branches, inflorescence, and pods. Aphid damage leads to:

• Curled leaves.
• Failure of pods to form if the flowers are affected.
• The secretion of a sugary substance that promotes the growth of black mold, hindering photosynthesis.

Management Measures:

1. Sow at the Right Time:
   • Plant the crop at the recommended time and use the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer.
2. Keep the Field Weed-Free:
   • Maintaining proper field cleanliness and monitoring regularly can reduce pest outbreaks.
3. Use Yellow Traps:
   • Place 10 yellow traps per hectare to attract aphids.
4. Spray Neem-based Insecticides:
   • Mix 5 ml of Azadiractin 1500 PPM in 1 liter of water and spray it on the crop.
5. Use Chemical Insecticides:
   • Combine 1 ml of Oxydemeton Methyl 25 EC with 1 liter of water and spray thoroughly.
   • Prepare a solution by mixing 1.5 ml of Malathion 50 EC in 1 liter of water and spray it.
   • Mix 1 ml of Imidacloprid 17.8% SL in 3 liters of water and spray it.

Agricultural Department's Advice:

1. Timely Crop Management:
   • Timely application of insecticides and regular crop monitoring are essential.
2. Field Cleanliness and Ploughing:
   • After harvest, deep ploughing should be done to destroy the pest pupae.
3. Regular Monitoring of Pests:
   • Monitor the crop at every stage for pest infestations and take appropriate measures on time.

By adopting these management measures, farmers can not only increase their crop yield but also protect their crops from pest-related damage.