RAPESEED AND MUSTARD

Crop under Brassica genus encompass many diverse types of plants, which are grown as
vegetables, fodder or sources of oils and condiments. The oleiferous Brassica species, commonly
known as rapeseed-mustard, are one of the economically important agricultural commodities.
Rapeseed-mustard comprising eight different species under Brassicaceae family viz. Indian
mustard, Indian rape, turnip rape, canola, Ethopian mustard and rocket salad are being cultivated
in 53 countries spreading all over the globe .
The leaves of young plants are relished as a green leafy vegetables as well as fodder crop.
Seeds are used as condiments in the preparation of pickles and for flavoring curries and
vegetables. Mustard a nutritious food contains 28-36% protein along with 38-45% oil content.
Oil is used for edible purposes, including salad, cooking and margarine. Oil is also used for
greasing of bread before cooking. Mustard oil contains high amount of essential fatty acids like
Linolenic acid. Oil cake is mostly used as livestock feed in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and
Punjab, but an equally large amount is used as a fertilizer in Japan, India and Europe because of
its high nitrogen content. Mustard cake contains Glucosinolate and major deleterious effects of
glucosinolate ingestion in animals are reduced palatability, decreased growth and production.
Rapeseed-mustard oil is being used in number of Ayurvedic medicines. Tocopherols present in
mustard help to protect the oil from rancidity, thus contributing to a long shelf life. The essential
oil in mustard inhibits growth of certain yeasts, molds and bacterial enabling mustard to function
as a natural preservative. Mustard oil is one of the richest sources of essential fats–Omega-3
alpha-linolenic acid (ALNA).

Origin
According to Prain (1898), Bailey (1922) and others the Raya (Brassica juncea)
originated in China and from there it was introduced to India. From India it spread to
Afghanistan via Punjab. According to Vavilov (1926) the place of origin of rape seed (Brassica
campestris) is eastern Afghanistan and adjoining parts of India and Pakistan, Brassica
campestris var. yellow sarson to be the oldest of the various rape seed and mustard in India.

Area, Production and Productivity

The area, production and productivity of rapeseed-mustard in the world was 30.74 m ha,
59.93 mt and 1950 kg/ha, respectively, during 2009-10. Globally, India account for 21.7% and
10.7% of the total acrage and production, respectively. In Rajasthan, Rapeseed and Mustard was
grown in about 2.55 m ha area during 2015-16. Out of which 90% area was covered by Raya
alone. Average productivity of Rapeseed and Mustard in India and Rajasthan was 1184 and 1284
kg/ha, respectively during 2015-16.
Area, production and productivity of rape & mustard during 2015-16
Area (m ha) Production Productivity
(m tonnes) (kg / ha)
Rajasthan 2.55 3.27 1284
India 5.76 6.82 1184

The highest productivity of rape and mustard (1611 kg/ha) was noted in Gujarat during 2015-16.
 Classification of Rapeseed and Mustard

Difference between rape and mustard

Climatic requirement
Cool temperature, clear dry weather with plentiful of bright sun shine accompanied with
adequate soil moisture increase the oil yield. Toria is more liable to suffer from frost and cold
and is, therefore, usually sown earlier and harvested before the onset of frost. They require an
annual precipitation of 350-450 mm. Rapeseed mustard requires higher temperature at vegetative
phase (30-32 0C max. and 20-22 0C min.), cool temperature and clear sky during reproductive
phase for seed filling and oil development. Foggy and cloudy weather during flowering
adversely affects the activity of honey bees and hence the crop yield.
Soil requirement
Rape seed and mustard are capable of growing under a wide range of soil conditions
varying from sandy loam to clay loam soils but they thrive best on light loam soils. They neither
tolerate water logging conditions nor do well on heavy soils. Plants can tolerate moderate salinity
reasonably well but a soil having neutral pH is ideal for their proper growth and development.
Taramira can be taken successfully in very light soils and rainfed areas.
Crop rotation
Rape seed and mustard are grown in rotation with other crops like. maize, cotton,
pearlmillet, pulses, etc. Rape seed and mustard should never be grown in fields which were sown
with the same crops in previous two years. Such a minimum period of rotation is required to
break insect and disease cycle. Toria being a catch crop, maturing in 90-100 days can easily be
adjusted in the following crop rotations.
(1) Maize-toria-wheat (2) Maize-toria-sugarcane (3) Pearl millet-toria-barley (4) Maize-
toriacotton (5) Maize-toria-sugarcane-ratoon
Brown sarson and mustard (raya) are usually cultivated as pure crops in rainfed areas.
During rainy season no other crop should be sown, rather moisture should be conserved as much
as possible by ploughing. In regions where irrigation facilities are available, following crop
rotations may be followed:
(1) Green gram-brown or yellow sarson or raya (2) Black gram-sarson or raya (3) Guar (green
manure)-sarson or raya (4) Maize-sarson or raya (5) Early Rice-sarson or raya
Rape seed and mustard are generally grown mixed with Rabi crops like wheat, barley and
chick pea. The practice of taking mustard (raya) as an intercrop with autumn planted sugarcane
in which no additional land is required also offers scope to augment mustard production without
adversely affecting the yield of companion crop of sugarcane

Intercropping
Intercropping of rapeseed-mustard is done with several crops. Under rainfed conditions
mustard and taramira can be intercropped with gram and barley. Paired row planting of gram
with one row of mustard in between two pairs was more profitable than barley. However, under
irrigated conditions of Rajasthan experimental studies revealed that sole cropping of mustard
(raya) is more profitable than any other intercropping combination.

Field preparation
The Rapeseed-mustard is small seeded crop therefore, the field should be well prepared
for uniform germination. Rapeseed-mustard seedlings are very susceptible to crusted soil. It
requires fine seed bed. Field should be ploughed by mould board plough or tractor drawn harrow
before pre-sowing irrigation followed by two ploughing with cultivator are required to prepare
good seed bed. Planking should be done after each ploughing. There should be no clod or weeds
at sowing time.
Sowing time
The crop of toria is to be sown in the last week of August to mid September whereas, for
mustard it has been found that 25th of September to the first fortnight of October is the most
appropriate time of sowing mustard crop in conserved moisture. Under irrigated conditions the
sowing of raya is completed by 20th October. The maximum temperature should be around
320C. It is advised to delay the sowing if the temperature is high specially under rainfed
conditions.
Seed rate
Under irrigated condition, 3-4 kg seed is sufficient for sowing of one hectare area
whereas, the seed rate can be increased to 5 kg per hectare under rainfed condition depending
upon the availability of soil moisture.
Method of sowing
Rapeseed-mustard crop should be sown in line, 30 cm apart with plant to plant distance
of 10-15 cm and at a depth of 4-5 cm under irrigated conditions whereas; a row spacing of 45 cm
is beneficial and practical in rainfed conditions. In order to maintain the proper plant population
thinning is to be done after 20-25 days of sowing.
Varieties
Toria
TH 68: Its plants are medium in height with dark green leaves. This variety is suitable for Toria-
wheat rotation. Its seeds are medium in size and brown in colour which contains 45% oil content.
It matures in 89 days and gives an average seed yield of 12-14 q per hectare.
Sangam: It is high yielding (15 q/ha) late maturing (110-115 days). Plants are tall, profusely
branched, smooth leaves with long siliquae. The seeds are small brown in colour which contains
45% oil content.
TL 15: Plants of this variety are medium in height. It has more primary and secondary branches
with sufficient number of siliqua. Seeds are bold and brown in colour with 44% oil content. It
matures in 85 – 90 days. It can be fitted well in wheat rotation. Its average yield is 5 -6 q/ha. In
addition to these, important varieties of toria are Type-9, Bhawani, PT-30, PT-303, TLC 1, PT
507, M27, TS 29, Agarni, BR 23, Panchali, RAUTS 17 and PVT 37.
Indian mustard /Raya varieties
RH 9304 (Vasundhra): Distinguish morphological characteristics are irregular deep serrations
with small hairs on lower surface and creamish mid rib, apex lobe acute. This variety matures in
138-142 days. This variety is medium in height with predominance of primary branches. The
seeds are bold, blackish brown in colour which contains 40 % oil content. It holds promise in
early and normal sowing conditions. This variety is resistant to shattering and lodging with
responsive to fertilizer. It is Thermo-tolerant as well. It gives an average seed yield of 22-25
q/ha.
RH 9801 (Swarn Jyoti): It is suitable for late sown (sowing around 15th November) with
normal fertility and irrigated conditions. This variety possesses medium seed size, 40.0 % oil
content. Distinguish morphological characteristics are sharp leaf serration, with acute leaf apex,
stem green smooth waxy. This variety matures in 130-135 days and gives an average seed yield
of 17-18 q /ha.
RB 9901 (Geeta): This variety has been released for rainfed conditions. The important
characters of this variety are tall in height, profuse branching, and tetra locule siliquae with long
main raceme. It yields about 18-20 q per hectare and matures in 145 days. Its seeds are medium
bold and dark brown in colour and have 40% oil content.
RH 30: This variety is recommended for irrigated and rainfed areas of Haryana. It is also
suitable for mixed cropping and late sown conditions due to its non-shattering habit and early
maturity. It is characterized by medium height, cone shape leaves with deep but less serrations.
Seeds are very bold and contain 40% oils. It matures in 135 days and yield about 20-22 q/ha.
RH 8812 (Laxmi): This variety is suitable for irrigated condition and high fertility soils under
timely sown conditions. Special characters of this variety are medium bold and blackish brown
seeds, small thick leaves, upright branching and thick pods. On an average, it yields about 20-24
q/ha and matures in 142 days. Its seeds contain 40% oil.
RH 819: This variety has been released for rainfed areas. The important characters of this variety
are tall in height, profuse branching and bright green leaves. It yields about 18-20 q/ha and
matures in 145 days. Its seeds are medium bold and brown in colour and contain 40% oil.
RH 8113 (Sourabh): This variety is tall having profuse branching with broad leaves. Small
seeds possess about 40 % oil, mature in 150 days and give an average seed yield of 22-25 q/ha. It
is medium tolerant to alternaria blight, white rust and downey mildew.
RH 781: It is a frost tolerant variety. This variety is medium in height. It matures in 142 days
and gives an average seed yield of 20-22 q/ha. It seeds are medium bold, brown in colour and
have 40% oil content.
T-59 (Varuna): This variety have wide adaptability and can be grown in all conditions. It takes
about 140-142 days for maturity. The seeds of this variety are bold with 40% oil content. It gives
an average yield of 20-22 q/ha.
RB 50: It is generally recommended for rainfed areas. Plant height is around 2 m. It is medium
in duration (146 days) and bold seeded variety. Oil content is 39%. Average yield is 18 q/ha. In
addition to these, other important varieties of raya which are cultivated in India are Sita (B-85),
Bhagirathi (RW-3510), Shekhar, Kranti, Krishna, Narendra Rai, Vaibhav, Vardan, Rohini,
Gujrat Mustard 1, Durgamani, Prakash, RLM 619, Pusa Bahar, Pusa Jaikisan, Rajat, TM 2 and
PRB-91.
Taramira
T 27: The plants are hairy with weak stem, profusely branched, and serrated leaves with rough
surface. It matures in 150 days and gives an average yield of 5-6 q/ha. The seeds are yellowish
green in colour and contain 32 % oil.
Yellow Sarson
YSH 0401: This variety was released for timely sowing in all mustard growing irrigated areas of
India. It is a short duration variety of just 115-120 days. The average yield is 17-19 q/ha with oil
content of 45 %. In addition to these, important varieties of yellow sarson which are grown in
different zones of India are YST 151, Type 42, K-88, YS 24, Vinoy, PS 66, PYS 842 and NDYS
842.
Brown Sarson
BSH-1: It’s crop duration is 136 days. The average yield is 12.5 q/ha with oil content of 45%.
Pusa Kalyani: This variety matures in 125-135 days. Seeds are medium and brown in colour
with average oil content of 45 %. It’s yield potential is 16-20 q/ha.

Fertilizer requirement
The recommended dose of fertilizer for rainfed condition is 40 kg N and 20 kg P 2O5 /ha.
In irrigated areas apply 60 kg N, 20 kg P 2O5 and 25 kg ZnSO4 for toria and mustard, 80 kg N, 40
kg P2O5 and 25 kg ZnSO4 for raya and only 30 kg N for taramira. Drill all the fertilizers at the
time of sowing under unirrigated conditions. Apply half dose of nitrogen and full dose of P, K
and Zinc Sulphate by drilling at sowing time under assured irrigated conditions and remaining
half dose of nitrogen to be top dressed at the time of first irrigation. Rapeseed-mustard is
generally grown on coarse textured soils which are highly responsive to P, S, Zn and Boron. It is
advisable to apply phosphorus through single super phosphate because it contains 12% sulphur
which is required for increasing the oil content. If phosphorous is applied as DAP than apply 250
kg Gypsum/ha at the time of field preparation or before irrigation. Seed treatment with
Azotobacter has been found beneficial to the crop.
Irrigation management
The irrigation requirement of rapeseed-mustard varies depending upon the crop
conditions, moisture storage in the soil profile and prevailing weather conditions. Two irrigation
i e. one at flowering and another at siliquae development stage is recommended. If irrigation
water is limiting and is available for one irrigation only, then the crop should be irrigated at the
time of flowering. Excessive water at later stages of crop growth reduces the yield by inducing
secondary flowering and lodging in the crop.
Frost management
Occasionally frost prevails from last week of December to January end in north and north
western parts of the country resulting into considerable yield loss or sometimes total crop failure.
To minimize the loss grow RH 781 a frost tolerant variety. Irrigate and smoke the fields when
the temperature is low, 30-45 days after anthesis is most sensitive. Spray of Dimethyl sulphoxide
(0.5 ml), Foltaf Difolatan (0.2 per cent) and Mencozeb (0.3 per cent) prevents the effects of
freezing of seed. First spray is recommended 20 days after anthesis followed by two more sprays
at fortnightly intervals.
Weed management
The most common weeds of rape seed and mustard crop are Chinopodium album
(bathua), Lathyrus spp. (chatrimatri), Melilotus indica (senji) and Fumaria parviflora (gajri).
One dry hoeing with wheel hoe or hand hoe at about four weeks of sowing i.e. prior to first
irrigation and if possible second hoeing after first irrigation may be done. Orobanche (Broom
rape) a parasitic weed is a major problem in north India. For its control, Post emergence
application of glyphosate at 25 and 50 g/ha with 1% solution of (NH 4)2SO4 at 25 and 55 DAS
showed promise with 63-100% control of this weed not only in experimental fields but in large
scale farmers’ fields.
Disease management
White rust (Albugo candida): In the initial stage of infection small isolated (creamy white)
pustules develop on the lower surface of the lower leaves when the crop is about 40-50 days old.
The pustules increase in size and number covering the leaves and defoliation takes place which
leads to weakening of the plants. The dangerous stage is floral infection in which the floral parts
are malformed and become thick leathery green. The branches become zig-zag in structure and
white growth of the fungus can be seen on these affected branches. Affected branches bears no
siliquae thus causing yield losses. Cool, moist weather, temp. 6-12OC and RH above 90 per cent
is very favourable for the development and spread of this disease. Late sown (November) crop
suffers more from this disease.
Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassica): Small light brown round spots develop on the lower
leaves first and then on upper leaves after 40 days of sowing. Later on these spots develop into
big circular dark coloured with concentric rings clearly visible in these spots. Black lesions also
develop on the stem and pods leading to reduced seed size, quality and quantity of the seed. In
severe cases defoliation also occurs. When the temperature ranges from 18- 25°C with high
humidity (80 per cent) dense crop canopy and rains during February increases the disease at
faster rate.
Downey mildew (Peronospora parasitica): At flowering stage, the whole inflorescence is
malformed and becomes thick green, twisted and covered with white cottony growth. There is
always mixed infection of white rust and downy mildew on floral parts. Disease development is
favoured by a temperature 10-20°C and wet weather (RH 90% or above).
White stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum): The disease starts on stem near the soil level as
elongated water soaked lesions which later on covered with white mycelial growth of the
pathogen. The diseased plant dries up before maturity without grain formation. The disease
generally appears at flowering or pod formation stage. If we split open the affected stem, black
sclerotial bodies are found in the pith of the stem. In low lying areas it can cause up to 35 per
cent losses to the crop, cool and moist weather favours the disease development.
Phyllody (MLO): Mainly this is a disease of toria and may cause 10-20 per cent losses in early
(August) sown crop. Infected plants are stunted and produce more branches giving bushy
appearance to the plants. Leafy structure develops in place of flowers. Such plants bear no pods.
This is a mycoplasma disease and is transmitted by Jassid (Orosius albicinctus) from plant to
plant.
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum): Dirty white, circular floury patches develop on
leaves stems and pods. As the disease advances, the whole plant (Stem, leaves and pods) looks as
if dusted with white powder. The disease usually appears late in the season when the temperature
rises (15-28°C and RH less than 60%) with no rainfall.
Integrated disease management
For the management of rapeseed-mustard diseases integrated approach should be
followed with deep summer ploughing to expose the fungal propagules as source of infection.
Adopt short duration varieties like RH 30, Laxmi and Varuna which escapes the incidence of
major diseases. Always use healthy quality seed. Sowing of the mustard crop in time (10-
25thOctober) is very important single factor which helps the crop to escape from major diseases.
Phyllody incidence in toria can be avoided by sowing the crop around mid September. Rouging
of the affected plants in case of toria phyllody and sclerotinia stem rot and burn them. Crop
rotation is very important tool in disease management by growing the non host crops for
minimizing sclerotinia stem rot Wheat/Barley-maize should be rotated with mustard. For the
control of white rust, alternaria and downy mildew spray Mancozeb 1.5 kg/ha at initial
appearance of white rust or Alternaria and repeat the spray 1-3 times after 15 days. Spray with
Bavistin 0.1 per cent twice during flowering at 45-50 and 65-70 days after sowing for
management of Sclerotinia stem rot.
Insect management
Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi): This is the most important pest of rapeseed and mustard.
This pest is more active at flowering stage of the crop. Cloudy and moist weather favours the
rapid multiplication of this pest. They are small light greenish coloured insects suck the sap from
all parts of the plant. Nymphs are small and wingless. Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from
different parts of the plant which devitalize the whole plant. Insects' secreats honey dew which
results in black fungus growth called sooty mould. Insects' multiply rapidly at low temperature
and 60 to 80 percent relative humidity. For control, remove aphid infested twigs from the borders
of the field which helps in preventing the inward spread of this pest. If there are 10% plants with
9-19 aphids or an average of 13 aphids per plant, spray the crop with 625 to 1000 ml
oxydemeton methyl (Metasystox 25 EC) or dimethoate (Rogor) 30 EC after diluting it in 625 to
1000 lt water. If needed repeat the spray after 15 days. Care should be taken that the crop grown
for 'saag' should be sprayed only with malathion 50 EC @ 625- 1000 ml after diluting it in 625 to
1000 litres water. The spray should always be done in the afternoon when activity of the
honeybee is less.
Painted bug (Bagrada hilaris): This pest is more prevalent in lighter soils of drier region. This
pest is black in colour with yellow and brown markings over the body. Young ones are red in
colour and small in size than adults. Adult bugs are pretty looking sub-ovate black or grey and
have many orange and brownish spot on the body. Both nymphs and adults suck sap from the
plants at seedling stage and from seed at maturity stage of the crop. It is more serious at seedling
stage of crop. Severe attack of this pest results in whitening of leaves leading to complete drying
up of plant which necessitate resowing. For control, maintain cleanliness in the field by
following regular inter-culture operations which helps in killing the eggs and nymphs of the
insects. If there is one nymph or adult/ meter row length spray the crop with 500 ml malathion 50
EC after diluting it in 500 lt of water/ha.
Hairy caterpillar (Diacrisia Obliqua): This pest is highly polyphagous and cause damage to the
leaves in October - November sown crop. The caterpillar feed gregariously initially. The larvae
are covered with hair. The attacked plants leaves are completely denuded in severe infestation.
For control the leaves along with the larvae should be plucked and destroyed. In case of severe
infestation, large caterpillars can be controlled by spraying 1250 ml quinalphos 25 EC or 625 ml
monocrotophos 35 SL or 500 ml dichlorvos 76 WS after mixing in 625 liter of water/ha.
Mustard sawfly (Athialia lugens proxima): A black coloured larva feed at seedling stage of the
crop. The larvae have three parallel strip lengthwise on dorsal side of the body. The damaged
plants can be identified by the presence of mid rib only. Severe attack of this pest may
necessitate re sowing of the crop. The pest can be managed by dusting with 2% Methyl Parathion
dust at the rate of 20-25 kg/ha or spraying the crop with 0.05% Malathion 50 EC. Pluck the
infested leaves alongwith the gregariously feeding larvae and destroy them.
Leaf miner (Chromatomyia horticola): This is also a polyphagous pest which damage all the
brassica crops. The maggots of this pest damage leaves by making galleries in them which in
turn hinders photosynthesis. The adults of this pest are tiny greyish flies with one pair of wings.
The attacked crop can easily be identified by galleried leaves from a distance with sick look. For
control this pest can easily be managed by spraying monocrotophos 35 SL @ 625 ml in 625 liter
per hectare.
Harvesting and threshing
Usually rapeseed-mustard crops are harvested as soon as the pods turn yellowish and
moisture content of the seed is around 40%. The crop should be harvested preferably in the
morning hours, when the pods are slightly damp with night dew to minimize the shattering
losses.
Bundles of the harvested plants are staked and dried in the sun for a few days. Threshing
is done by the usual method of threshing by bullocks or running a tractor over the dried plants.
Seeds are separated by winnowing. Moisture content of the seed must be less than 8% at the
storage time.
Yield
Under normal conditions, rapeseed yields about 1.4-2.0 tonnes/ha of seed, while mustard may
give 2.0-2.5 tonnes/ha.
Average yield in various conditions
Mixed crop - 2-3 q/ha
Pure crop - 10-15 q/ha
Toria - 12-15 q/ha
Yellow or brown sarson - 12-15 q/ha
Rai - 15-20 q/ha
Oil % in rapeseed and mustard seed
Yellow or brown sarson - 43-48%; Toria - 42-44% ; Rai - 38-40%