Mustard Farmers Alert! Deadly Crop Diseases Spreading Fast — Follow These Expert Tips to Save Your Harvest

Key Highlights:

• Root rot and Downy Mildew are major threats to mustard this year.

• Use Carbendazim and Mancozeb sprays as advised by experts.

• Avoid unnecessary pesticide sprays against painted bugs.

• Control irrigation to prevent wilting and waterlogging.

• Re-sowing with treated seeds is possible until November 10.

Farmers across India grow mustard as one of the major Rabi season oilseed crops. It is known for giving good profits to farmers. However, this year, due to unfavourable weather and delayed sowing in many areas, mustard crops are facing the risk of several diseases and pest attacks.

Keeping this in mind, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, has issued important advice for mustard farmers. Experts say that excessive rainfall and high humidity during sowing have created conditions favourable for fungal infections and pest attacks.

Farmers Must Watch Out for Root Rot Disease

According to university scientists, the mustard crop is currently prone to root rot disease. The main symptoms include wilting and drying of plants, along with white fungus around the roots. This is mainly caused by Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Sclerotium fungi.

To control this disease, experts recommend spraying a 0.1% Carbendazim solution on affected plants. Ensure that both the plants and the soil are well-moistened during spraying. If the disease is severe, the spray can be repeated after 15 days.

White Fungus on Leaves: Sign of Downy Mildew

If a white fungus appears under the leaves, it is a symptom of Downy Mildew. The infected leaves turn yellow and dry out. Scientists advise farmers not to panic but to take quick control measures.

Farmers can spray Mancozeb (Dithane M-45) or Metalaxyl 4% + Mancozeb 64% at the rate of 2.5 grams per liter of water.

If both root rot and leaf spot diseases are found together, farmers should use a tank mixture of Carbendazim 0.1% and Mancozeb 0.25%. Repeat spraying after 15 days if needed.

Avoid Unnecessary Pesticide Spraying

The university also warned farmers about the painted bug (pigtail insect), which usually attacks mustard crops in the early stage, leaving white spots on leaves. Farmers generally use 200 ml of Malathion 50 EC per acre mixed with 200 liters of water to control it.

However, this year, the activity of this pest is very low due to cooler temperatures. Hence, experts have advised avoiding unnecessary pesticide sprays, as they not only raise costs but also harm beneficial insects that protect the crop naturally.

Managing Irrigation and Wilting Problems

Experts noted that wilting and weak plant growth are often due to excess water or waterlogging. Farmers should irrigate very lightly and, in moist soil, delay the first irrigation by 10 days to prevent oxygen deficiency around roots.

In fields where wilting or yellowing is visible after the first irrigation, farmers should spray Carbendazim 50 WP (1 gram per liter of water) mixed with Streptomycin (0.3 grams per liter). This helps the plants recover faster and prevents further disease spread.

Re-sowing Option Available Until November 10

If mustard plants have died or the field has suffered severe damage, the university suggests re-sowing the crop up to November 10. Certified seeds are available at the university.

Before sowing, treat the seeds with Carbendazim at 2 grams per kilogram of seed. This helps protect the crop during the early stages and improves germination.

Mustard Crop Needs Extra Care This Season

Experts from CCS Haryana Agricultural University have said that this year’s mustard crop requires special care due to weather uncertainty and high humidity. Farmers should regularly monitor their fields, avoid unnecessary chemical sprays, and follow expert advice for irrigation and disease control.

By adopting simple precautions like controlled watering, proper spraying, and seed treatment, farmers can protect their mustard crops from major losses and ensure a healthy and profitable harvest.

Also Read: SKUAST-K Achieves 100 Patents, Leading Kashmir’s Innovation Revolution

CMV360 Says

Timely action and proper care can protect mustard crops from serious damage this season. By following expert advice from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, such as using recommended sprays, managing irrigation wisely, and treating seeds before sowing, farmers can control diseases and pests effectively, ensuring healthy crop growth and better yields despite challenging weather conditions.