Mustard Crop Under Threat: Aphid Infestation Rises with Flowering, Experts Advise Prevention

• Mustard, a major Rabi oilseed crop in India, faces significant damage from pests like the Laahi insect (Aphid).
• Aphids are small, brown/black insects that suck sap from tender parts, causing leaves to yellow, wilt, and hindering plant growth.
• Severe aphid infestation prevents proper flower and pod development, leading to poor grain formation and significant yield loss.
• Agricultural expert Shiv Shankar Verma from Raebareli highlights that aphids secrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold and reduced photosynthesis.
• Integrated pest management includes field sanitation, yellow sticky traps (5-6 per acre), and chemical control with Chlorpyrifos 20% EC (200ml in 200L water per acre) for 40-45 day old crops.

Why It Matters: Aphid infestation poses a major threat to mustard crops, requiring timely integrated pest management for prevention.