Severe Cold Increases Disease Risk in Mustard Crop: Experts Urge Immediate Action at First Sign of Symptoms

Mustard, one of the most important oilseed crops of the Rabi season, is currently facing attacks from multiple pests. Without timely precautions, farmers may suffer significant yield losses. The continuous drop in temperatures during December and the presence of morning and evening dew create ideal conditions for rapid pest infestation. The impact of the cold wave is becoming visibly evident in fields, particularly affecting mustard, potatoes, and other Rabi crops making increased vigilance essential for farmers.

Aphids: The Most Damaging Pest Weakening Mustard Plants:

According to agricultural experts, aphids are considered the most harmful pest affecting mustard crops. These tiny brown or black insects suck the sap from plant tissues, causing:

1. Leaves to wilt and curl
2. Stunted plant growth
3. Poor pod formation
4. Significant reduction in overall yield

Control Measure:

To protect the crop from aphid attacks, mix 200 ml of Chlorpyrifos 20% EC in 200 liters of water and spray it per acre. Timely spraying is crucial to prevent severe damage.

Why Mustard Is at Higher Disease Risk in Winter:

Mustard crops are more vulnerable during winter due to extreme cold, frost, and dense fog. In some areas, the use of saline water or soils with high salt content further increases disease risks. This makes early identification and prompt treatment absolutely essential.

Expert Opinion: How Cold Weather Becomes Dangerous for Mustard:

Shiv Shankar Verma, In-charge Officer at the Government Agriculture Center, Shivgarh (Rae Bareli), explains that:

1. Rapid decline in temperature
2. Intense cold
3. Frost
4. Persistent fog

can be extremely harmful for mustard crops. These conditions slow plant growth, damage leaves, and create a favorable environment for disease development. If not addressed in time, farmers may experience a substantial drop in production.

What Should Farmers Do? – Prevention Is the Most Effective Strategy:

Experts recommend the following preventive measures:

1. Avoid excessive moisture accumulation in the field
2. Apply light irrigation to reduce frost impact
3. Use light morning irrigation or smoke to remove dew from plants
4. Spray recommended pesticides at the first sign of disease
5. Apply fertilizers on time to prevent nutrient deficiency

Read More- How to do Mustard cultivation and disease and management