A field–cum–farmer investigation was executed during the rabi 2024-25 season in the southeastern agro-climatic tract ofPunjab (Fatehgarh Sahib) to elucidate the phytosociological composition of weed flora and to diagnose operationalconstraints to weed management in gobhi sarson systems. Stratified quadrate sampling across 30 geo-referenced sitesin 10 villages enabled quantitative estimation of population density, fresh biomass, relative frequency, relative density,relative dominance, and the composite Importance Value Index (IVI) of weed flora. Phytosociological metrics unequivocallyestablished Phalaris minor and Chenopodium album as the pre-eminent species in terms of density and competitivepotential. A concomitant socio-agronomic survey of 60 representative growers, employing structured personal interviewsand descriptive analytics, revealed that weed pressure was generally rated moderate to severe, with the critical interferencewindow identified at 16–30 days after planting. Hand hoeing persisted as the dominant control modality, althoughchemical and integrated strategies are increasingly incorporated. Principal impediments to optimal weed suppressioncomprised erratic herbicide availability, high input costs, inadequate technical cognizance of herbicidal protocols, andacute labor shortage. Collectively, these findings signify the imperative for species-specific and temporally targetedinterventions, coupled with intensive farmer capacity-building in integrated weed management, to attenuate crop–weedcompetition and enhance mustard productivity within this agro-ecological niche.
An investigation was conducted to assess the extent and nature of genetic diversity among 36 genotypes of Indianmustard (Brassica juncea), comprising eight parental lines and 28 F1 hybrids using Mahalanobis D² statistics. Thepresence of genetic diversity among genotypes offers significant potential for their utilization in breeding programsaimed at improving yield and related agronomic traits. Cluster analysis grouped the 36 genotypes into eight distinctclusters. Cluster II was the largest, containing nine genotypes followed by Clusters I, III and VII, each comprising fivegenotypes. The distribution of genotypes across clusters appeared to be random and did not correspond to theirgeographical origin or region of adaptation. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between Clusters I and VII(5.79) followed by Clusters IV and V (5.73) indicating a high degree of genetic divergence between these groups. Amongthe intra-cluster distances, Cluster VIII showed the highest value (5.21) followed by Cluster II (4.79) suggesting thatgenotypes within these clusters also possess considerable variability. Therefore, hybridization among genotypes withinor between these divergent clusters may result in promising cross combinations. Based on cluster mean values, genotypesgrouped in Clusters VIII, II and VI are particularly noteworthy and may be considered as potential parents in futurehybridization programs aimed at developing high-yielding varieties of Indian mustard.
A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2021-22 to study the yield attributes and yield of Indian mustard varietiesat the research farm, College of Agriculture, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana. The experiment was laid out in split plot designwith three replications consisted four mustard varieties (Kranti, RGN229, RH725 and RH1424) as main plots and threefertility levels (100% RDF, 125% RDF and 150% RDF) as subplots treatments. Results revealed that among varieties RH1424 resulted in significantly higher yield attributes and yield as compared to Kranti, RGN 229 and RH 725. Amongfertility levels, 150% RDF exhibited significantly more siliquae plant-1, higher 1000 seed weight, seed yield and stoveryield followed by 125% RDF and 100% RDF.
Gobhi Sarson is an important winter oilseed crop, offers a viable diversification option in Punjab’s rice–wheat croppingsystem. Despite its potential, the adoption of recommended production technologies remains limited in the southeastern region of Punjab, particularly in Fatehgarh Sahib district characterized by heavy-textured soils. The presentstudy assessed the extent of adoption of agronomic practices and identified major constraints faced by farmers in GobhiSarson cultivation. A structured survey was conducted over two consecutive rabi seasons, covering 100 farmers fromtwo blocks- Khamano, and Khera. The results revealed higher adoption of time of sowing (70%), plant protectionpractices (74%), and varietal selection (68%), while fertilizer application (38%) showed lower adoption. Major constraintsincluded weed infestation (MPS: 80.0), non-availability of phosphorus fertilizers (74.6), difficulties in manual harvestingand threshing (82.0), and fluctuating market prices (75.3). A significant negative relationship (r = –0.29) was observedbetween constraints and adoption levels. The study emphasizes the need for timely input availability, mechanizationsupport, and effective price stabilization. Strengthening extension services and improving access to quality inputs cansignificantly enhance Gobhi Sarson adoption and productivity in the region
The impact of meteorological parameters on the population of painted bug, Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) and sawfly,Athalia lugens proxima (Klug) was studied at the research farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura,Jaipur, during rabi 2020–21 and 2021–22. The correlation coefficients with the pooled data, showed a substantialpositive significant correlation of painted bug and sawfly population with maximum and minimum temperature (r=0.725*and 0.749*) and (r=0.487* and 0.535*) respectively. Painted bug and sawfly had negative correlation with averagerelative humidity (r = -0.599* and -0.366) and total rainfall (-0.275 and -0.205) respectively. On the basis of principlecomponent (PC) 1 and 2 the most significant variables for painted bug and sawfly larvae are abiotic factors as maximumand minimum temperature
Attending Atma Nirbharta in Edible Oils is one of the prime concerns of the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds(NMEO-OS) to check the rising edible oil imports, balancing edible oils requirement and domestic availability. RapeseedMustard is one of the important sources of edible oil in the country which has made a significant contribution to domesticedible oil availability over the last few decades. Mustard crop, an indigenous oilseed grown in Rabi season, can play animportant role in achieving self-sufficiency in domestic output of edible oils and there is a need to increase acreage, promoteuse of high-yielding seed varieties and provide assured prices to farmers to boost yield and production as emphasizedunder NMEO-OS. Rapeseed-mustard crop has good production potential, where the cultivation is supported with newvarieties, technology and knowledge inputs. GOI has given maximum focus on Rapeseed-Mustard and has fixed to increaseits area by 9.57%, production by 63%, productivity by 50% and oil production by 56% under NMEO-OS by 2030-31. Thus,Rapeseed-Mustard crop is to contribute 32% of the total oilseeds production target of NMEO-OS.
Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) represent an effective extension approach for the systematic planning,implementation and evaluation of proven agricultural technologies under farmers’ field conditions. The presentinvestigation evaluated the performance of CFLDs during the period 2022-23 to 2024-25 to assess the impact of integratedcrop management (ICM) practices in mustard, as recommended in the package of practices of Agriculture University,Kota. The study adopted a combination of experimental and before-after research designs, and a total of 400 beneficiaryfarmers were included under the CFLD programme. Performance of improved mustard varieties Radhika and RH-725under CFLD plots was compared with farmers’ prevailing practices (local check). The results revealed that thedemonstrated plots consistently produced significantly higher seed yield than the local check across all the three yearsof study. On pooled basis, the mean extension gap and technology gap were observed to be 4.36 q ha-¹ and 3.51 q ha-¹,respectively, indicating substantial scope for enhancing mustard productivity through improved technologicalinterventions. Furthermore, the demonstrated plots recorded higher net returns and benefit-cost ratios compared tofarmers’ practices during all seasons, highlighting the economic superiority of ICM technologies. Energy analysisfurther substantiated the effectiveness of CFLDs, as higher energy use efficiency and energy productivity (kg MJ-¹)were recorded under the demonstration plots in comparison to farmers’ plots, reflecting improved resource-use efficiencyunder integrated crop management practices. The demonstrated ICM practices significantly enhanced seed yield andnet returns (p < 0.01) and improved energy use efficiency by 37.6% over farmers’ practices.
Combining rock phosphate with natural organics facilitates the release of phosphorus (P) from the mineral in a form thatis easily available to plants. Replacing chemical fertilizers with such organic alternative is expected to improve soilorganic matter content and increase agricultural soil sustainability. Phosphorus release rate from rock phosphate inpresence of organic matter containing tobacco waste is observed to be better than or at par with that due to activity ofP solubilizing bacteria. A field experiment was conducted to study the production and nutrient cluster of Indian mustardinfluenced by the organic source of P - Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) and the chemical fertilizer DiammoniumPhosphate (DAP). Phosphorous release rate from rock phosphate by bacterial activity is compared with that by organicacids present in tobacco to see higher release of P by the later. Results indicated clear possibility for partially replacingchemical phosphatic fertilizers with organic alternatives. Using rock phosphate composted with organic manure turnsout to be an excellent alternative for chemical phosphatic fertilizers. Higher yield parameters are obtained with PROMand DAP in combination as P source for mustard crop. A combination of PROM as source of 66% of P requirement andDAP as source of the rest of the P requirement gave best results in the efficacy studies, indicating possibilities inreplacement of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives and hence reducing consumption of rock phosphate mineralfor production of chemical fertilizers.
Mustard (Brassica spp.) is a major oilseed crop in India and is prone to attack by a wide range of insect pests throughoutits growth stages, leading to substantial yield losses. Among these, the mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.), mustardsawfly Athalia lugensproxima, flea beetle Phyllotreta cruciferae, and painted bug (Bagrada cruciferarum and B. hilaris)are of major economic importance. This review synthesizes decades of research on the seasonal incidence, populationdynamics, and influencing meteorological parameters of these pests, along with the occurrence of their natural enemies.Studies consistently reveal that L. erysimi appears from November to April, with peak activity during January-Februaryunder temperature ranges of 17-24°C and relative humidity between 60-85%. Rainfall exerts variable effects, with lightshowers favouring population build-up and heavy rains causing dislodgement. Mustard sawfly incidence generally beginsin October-December, with optimal development at temperatures between 19-30°C, while flea beetle populations peak inFebruary. Painted bugs show seedling-stage damage and activity peaks either in winter or during crop maturity dependingon the species. Natural enemies, particularly Diaeretiella rapae, Coccinella septempunctata, Cheilomenes sexmaculata,syrphid flies, and lacewings, play a vital role in pest suppression, with parasitism levels often exceeding 80-90% during latecrop stages. Temperature, humidity, sunshine hours, wind velocity, and crop phenology significantly influences the timingand intensity of both pest and predator populations. Understanding these seasonal patterns are critical for developingtimely, ecologically sound pest management strategies in mustard cultivation.
Slow rusting resistance to white rusting (Albugo candida) in twenty two Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypeswas determined through two epidemiological parameters, disease severity (%) and area under disease progress curve(AUDPC) and four components of resistance (incubation period, latent periods, number of pustules per leaf and pustulesize) under artificial inoculation in field. A considerable range of variations for slow rusting and its components werefound among all the twenty two Indian mustard genotypes inoculated with Albugo candida during rabi 2017-18 and2018-19. Out of these nine genotypes viz., RH 1556, RH 1569, RH 1573, RH 1799-30, PHR-2, EC 322091, EC 399301, DOMO4 and ZEM 2 showed lesser size of pustules in range of 0.83 to 1.58 mm and less numbers of pustules per leaf in a rangeof 24.17 to 51.50 indicating slow white rusting development. Genotypes viz., RH 1400, RH 1556, RH 1569, RH 1573, RH1799-30, PHR-2, EC 322091, EC 399301, DOMO-4 and ZEM 2 also showed improved resistance against white rust diseaseas these genotypes had low level of disease severity in range of 5.28 to 10.00 per cent and also low values of AUDPCranging between 12.07 to 30.64 cm2 indicating slow white rusting behavior.
This research was carried out at the Regional Research Station of PAU, Gurdaspur, Punjab and biochemistry laboratory,Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in the rabi season 2022-23. The experimentinvolved four spacings (45 × 45, 60 × 30, 67.5 × 30, and 75 × 50 cm) and three varieties (PGAC–25–17, Pusa Sharad andPrivate-Aghani) arranged in a factorial design. The results showed that leaf length (15.75 cm), leaf width (13.31 cm), leafnumber (21.95), days to curd initiation curd polar diameter, gross curd weight (1.68 kg), marketable curd weight (0.46 kg)and marketable yield (22.65 q/ha) were found to be maximum in variety PGAC – 25 – 17 and at spacing 67.5 x 30 cm. Thecurd equatorial diameter, net curd weight was found to be highest in variety PGAC– 25– 17 and spacing 67.5 x 30 cm.Gross curd weight and marketable yield per plot were the only two parameters that were significantly affected by thesowing date. Narrow spacing (45 × 45 cm) restricted vegetative growth and curd development, whereas excessively widespacing (75 × 50 cm) reduced per-unit area yield due to lower plant density. This study provides practical recommendationsfor cauliflower growers to optimize spacing and varietal selection, thereby improving productivity and resource-useefficiency under similar agro-climatic conditions
The current research was conducted on fifty genotypes of Brassica juncea L. in order to evaluate the relationship ofseed yield with its component characteristics according to the path coefficient and correlation analyses at genotypicand phenotypic levels. Genotypic correlations were found to be stronger compared to phenotypic correlations andindicated a significant effect of genetic factors in the relationships between traits. Correlation analysis indicated thatbranching characters, siliqua length and seed/siliqua were positively correlated with seed yield all the time, whereasdelayed maturity and more siliquae/plant were undesirable. Path coefficient analysis established biological yield/plantand the harvest index as the main principal determinants of the seeds yield and other characters like siliqua length,seeds/siliqua and branching played indirectly through these important components. The research identifies that selectionbased on biological yield and harvest index, underpinned by principal reproductive traits, would be optimum for geneticenhancement of seed yield in Indian mustard.
To determine combining ability and heterosis analysis for seed yield and yield components, eight genotypes of Indianmustard (Brassica juncea L.) were crossed using a line X tester design. A randomised block design with three replicateswas used after fifteen crossings, and their parents were assessed in the field. None of the cross combinations displayedboth positive and negative significant SCA effects for seed yield/plant, while the GCA impacts of the parents, IC-571655,demonstrated positive significant effects for the majority of the characteristics. Each trait in the crosses underwent adistinct analysis of variance, and the hybrids exhibited significant heterosis. According to estimations of heterosis andper se performance, the most promising cross for seed yield/plant was IC-508692 x Ashirwad, which was followed by IC424414 x Ashirwad, IC-571655 x CS 54, and IC-571655 x Ashirwad
The study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda, from 2021-22 to 2024-25, encompassing 150 hectares of landwith 359 demonstrations across 19 villages in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to assess the impactand yield discrepancies between enhanced practices under Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) and the existingpractices used by farmers for mustard crops. Yield characteristics of both the demonstrations and the farmers’ practiceswere documented, and their yield gap, technology gap, extension gap, and technology index were analyzed. Theimproved practices involved high-yielding varieties and integrated crop management strategies (sulphur @ 25 kg ha-1 +line sowing + thinning + seed treatment with Thiram 75% WP @ 2 g kg-1 seed + application of neem oil @ 2-4 ml L-1 ofwater). The findings indicated that the average yield of 15.55 q ha-1 was achieved in the demonstration plots, which was25.4 percent greater than the yield from farmers’ practices (12.40 q ha-1). Additionally, the technology gap, extension gap,and technology index were measured at 9.89 ha-1, 3.15 q ha-1, and 38.83 percent, respectively. The average gross returnin the demonstration plot was Rs 78319 ha-1 compared to Rs 62467 ha-1 in the farmers’ practices. Similarly, the average netreturn in the demonstration plot was Rs 55319 ha-1, while it was Rs 41300 ha-1 in the farmers’ plots. The benefit-cost ratiowas calculated to be 3.41 in the demonstration plot, which is higher than the 2.96 observed under farmers’ practices. Thisclearly demonstrates the production and economic efficiency of the demonstrated mustard technology in the study area.Overall, Giriraj (DRMRIJ31) exhibited greater vegetative vigor, reproductive efficiency, superior seed quality, and increasedoil content. The technology gap and extension gap were attributed to the lack of adoption of high-yielding varieties,timely sowing, appropriate seed rates, seed treatments, fertilizer management, and plant protection strategies. The studyhighlighted that the CFLD significantly contributed to the dissemination of technologies to farmers’ fields, therebyincreasing crop yields and farmer incomes in the area
A field experiment was conducted at Tokowbari Farm, AAU-ZRS, Shillongani, during 2020–21 to 2022–23 to evaluate theeffect of habitat manipulation on the management of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi). The pooled data over three yearsrevealed that the lowest mustard aphid population (25.08 and 15.98 aphids/plant) was recorded in the mustard + corianderintercrop, followed by mustard + fennel (38.84 and 25.77 aphids/plant) and mustard + chickpea (41.87 and 29.68 aphids/plant) during flowering and siliquae formation stages, respectively. Similarly, the highest population of coccinellids (2.22beetles/plant) was observed in mustard + coriander, followed by mustard + fennel (2.01 beetles/plant) and mustard +chickpea (2.00 beetles/plant). Mustard-fennel intercrop recorded a significantly higher yield (677.44 kg/ha mustard +172.89 kg/ha fennel) compared to sole mustard (586.89 kg/ha) and intercrops with chickpea (660.44 kg/ha mustard +156.00 kg/ha chickpea) and coriander (702.11 kg/ha mustard + 171.78 kg/ha coriander). The yield of sole mustard and itsintercrops with chickpea and coriander were statistically at par. The highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.43 was observedin mustard-fennel intercrop, followed by mustard-coriander (2.10), mustard-chickpea (1.75), and sole mustard (1.69).These findings suggest that intercropping mustard with fennel or coriander can effectively manage mustard aphidswhile enhancing natural enemy populations and economic returns
A field experiment was conducted during 2021-22 to evaluate the influence of POLY4 on growth and yield of mustard under various doses of nutrients with POLY4 fertilizerlevels on production and soil health.The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design, comprising various doses of nutrients with POLY4 fertilizer included in 9 treatments (Control; 100% NPS; Farmers practice (60-40-0-10 kg ha-1 NPKS); 100% RDF(120-60-60-40 kg ha-1 NPKS) and 100% K through MOP; 100% RDF(120-60-60-40 kg ha-1 NPKS) and 100% K through POLY4; 100% RDF (50% K by MOP and 50% K by POLY4); 100% RDF(25% K by MOP and 75% K by POLY4); 100% NPS + 75%K (100% K by POLY4) and 100% NPS + 50% K (100% K by POLY4) replicated three times. Results showed that treatment T7 (100% RDF i.e.25% K by MOP and 75% K by POLY4) was significantly superior to rest of the treatments with respect to plant height, primary branches/plant, secondary branches/plant and dry weight. Application of 100%RDF (25% K by MOP and 75% K by POLY4)was also better over other treatments in respect of yield and yield attributes viz.number of siliquae per plant and number of seeds etc. in clay loam soils of Bundelkhand region.The mustard crop fertilized with 100% RDF (25% K by MOP and 75% K by POLY4) fetched the highest net returns with maximum benefit-cost ratio.
This study compares Brassica napus genotypes (KGS) with the check variety SHALIMAR GOBI SARSON 1 and Brassica rapa genotypes (KBS) with the check variety SS2 in order to assess the genotypic performance and stability of seed yield (SY) of 35 genotypes during a seven-year period (2018–2024) in the Kashmir Valley. The performance variability of the genotypes showed significant genotypic and environmental influences as well as genotype-byenvironment (G × E) interactions. KGS53 was consistently the most stable and highest-yielding of the Brassica napus genotypes, followed by KGS52. Over time, KGS53 showed a low coefficient of variation (CV), demonstrating exceptional resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Comparable yield stability was demonstrated by KBS genotypes, especially KBS-63, which outperformed the SS2 check. KBS-63 maintained moderate yields and low CV, indicating its potential for a variety of agro-climatic conditions. The Brassica napus check, SHALIMAR GOBI SARSON 1, in contrast, showed poor adaptability to shifting environmental circumstances, as seen by its high variability and inconsistent performance. Additionally, the Brassica rapa check SS2 showed reduced yields and a high CV, which made it less dependable over time. The significance of choosing stable genotypes for climate resilience was highlighted by the ANOVA results, which showed significant genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interactions (P < 0.001). According to the results, breeding initiatives targeting the Kashmir Valley’s yield stability and climatic resistance should give priority to KGS53 (Brassica napus) and KBS-63 (Brassica rapa). In order to evaluate genotype performance in various environmental circumstances and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change, multi-environment trials are necessary.
Impact of climate change like global warming, drought, flooding, and other extreme events are posing severe challenges to global crop production. Heat stress at seedling stage is one of the major factors responsible for the low productivity of crop plants and has become an increasing threat for agriculture. Indian mustard grown under rain-fed conditions is usually affected by heat stress at seedling stages resulting in negative effect on yield. In this context, the selection of heat tolerant genotypes may be one of the remedies. Therefore, a study was carried out at the research farm of ICARIndian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan during Rabi 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 to estimate stability and morpho-physiological variability of early maturing thermo-tolerant genotypes in order to identify some of the promising early maturing heat stress tolerant advanced breeding lines. The crop was raised strictly under conserved moisture early sown conditions. G x E interaction was significant for all the characters viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, seed yield (kg/ha), membrane stability index (%), excised leaf- water loss (%), relative water content (RWC %), and water retention capacity of leaves (%) except 1000-seed weight. G x E interaction (linear) was also significant for all these eight characters, indicating substantial amount of predictable G x E interaction. All ten genotypes were tested for three stability parameters, namely mean, bi and S2di. Genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-4 attained minimum days to maturity (122.88) alongwith regression coefficient near to unity and S2di near to zero considered as stable. While the genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-5 attained minimum days to maturity (124.44) alongwith regression coefficient near to unity exhibit average stability.
Moisture stress is a significant constraint affecting the yield of toria (Brassica rapa var. toria) in rainfed and semi-arid regions. Salicylic acid (SA), a plant growth regulator, plays a crucial role in mitigating abiotic stress and enhancing plant resilience. This study investigates the impact of foliar application of salicylic acid on the physiological traits, growth parameters, and yield of toria under moisture stress conditions. Results indicate that SA application improves photosynthetic efficiency, water use efficiency, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to increased seed yield and oil content compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that salicylic acid could be an effective strategy for enhancing toria productivity in moisture-deficient environments.
This study examines the genotype-environment interaction (G × E) and seed yield stability of 10 Brassica genotypes over a five-year period (2019-2023). The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variations in genotype performance across environmental conditions, underscoring the importance of G × E interactions in influencing seed yield. Among the genotypes, KBS-63 demonstrated the highest stability and productivity, with a mean yield of 20.24 q/ha, a regression coefficient (bi) of 1.00, and a low deviation from regression (Sd² = 0.05), making it the most stable and adaptable genotype. In contrast, genotypes like SS2 and SS3, despite showing high yields under optimal conditions, exhibited low stability due to higher susceptibility to environmental stresses, with bi values of 1.10 and 0.98, respectively. The stability classification revealed that KBS-63 was highly stable, while SS2 and SS3 were classified as low-stability genotypes. These findings highlight the importance of selecting genotypes with both high yield and stability for breeding programs, particularly in regions with erratic weather patterns like the Kashmir Valley. The study emphasizes that breeding for stability, alongside yield potential, is essential for maintaining sustainable agricultural productivity in the face of climate change
