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.
