Cultivation of Mustard (Brassica spp.)
Introduction
- Mustard is a major rabi oilseed crop in India.
- Grown mainly for seeds, which yield oil and oilcake (rich in protein for livestock).
- Belongs to the family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae).
- Includes species like:
- Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) – most common
- Brassica nigra (Black mustard)
- Brassica campestris (Yellow sarson, Brown sarson)
- Eruca sativa (Taramira)
Origin: Mediterranean region.
Climate Requirements
|
Factor |
Requirement |
|
Temperature |
10–25°C (cool season crop) |
|
Rainfall |
400–600 mm, requires well-distributed rain |
|
Sensitivity |
Sensitive to frost at flowering stage |
|
Photoperiod |
Long day plant (prefers 12–14 hours sunlight) |
- Requires cool and dry weather for good seed formation.
Soil Requirements
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Type |
Well-drained loamy to clay loam soils |
|
pH Range |
6.0–8.0 |
|
Avoid |
Waterlogged and saline soils |
Varieties
|
Variety |
Features |
|
Varuna |
Early maturing, widely adapted |
|
Kranti |
High yielding |
|
Pusa Bold |
High oil content |
|
RH-30 |
Resistant to white rust |
|
Pusa Agrani |
Very early variety (matures in 110 days) |
Agronomic Practices
|
Activity |
Details |
|
Sowing time |
October–November (after monsoon) |
|
Seed rate |
4–6 kg/ha (broadcasting) |
|
Spacing |
30–45 cm (row-to-row) × 10–15 cm (plant-to-plant) |
|
Sowing depth |
2–3 cm |
|
Germination |
Takes 3–5 days |
Fertilizer Management
|
Nutrient |
Recommendation (per hectare) |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
80–100 kg |
|
Phosphorus (P₂O₅) |
40–60 kg |
|
Potash (K₂O) |
20–40 kg |
|
Sulphur (S) |
20–30 kg |
- Sulphur is essential for oil synthesis.
- Fertilizers applied basally at sowing.
- Split nitrogen application improves yield.
Irrigation Management
|
Stage |
Importance |
|
First |
Just after sowing (for germination) |
|
Second |
At flowering stage (critical) |
|
Third |
At pod-filling stage |
- Mustard is moderately drought-tolerant but irrigation at critical stages is vital.
Weed Control
- Weeding: First weeding after 20–25 days of sowing.
- Herbicides:
- Fluchloralin (pre-plant incorporation) @1.0 kg a.i./ha.
- Isoproturon (post-emergence) @1.0 kg a.i./ha.
- Clean cultivation improves seed yield.
Harvesting and Threshing
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Maturity |
120–140 days (depending on variety) |
|
Signs |
Pods turn yellowish-brown, seeds become hard |
|
Harvesting |
By cutting plants at ground level |
|
Threshing |
Manual beating or threshers |
- Delay in harvesting leads to shattering (seed loss).
Yield
|
Crop Type |
Yield (under good conditions) |
|
Grain yield |
1.2–2.0 tonnes/ha |
|
Oil yield |
About 35–40% of seed weight |
Nutritional and Economic Importance
|
Nutrient/Feature |
Value/Benefit |
|
Oil content |
30–45% |
|
Protein content |
25–30% |
|
Oil use |
Edible oil, industrial use (lubricants, soaps, biodiesel) |
|
By-products |
Oilcake used as rich cattle feed |
Important Quick Points
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Botanical name (Indian mustard): Brassica juncea
- Critical stages for irrigation: Flowering and Pod filling
- Major pest: Mustard aphid
- Major disease: White rust
- Oil content: 30–45%
- Sowing season: Rabi
- Ideal temperature: 10–25°C
- Mustard is often grown as a mixed crop with wheat or gram in some areas.
