Mastering Mustard Growth Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your understanding of mustard crop management with these medium-difficulty questions focused on best agricultural practices and real-world scenarios.

1. Ideal Sowing Time

   What is the most suitable time for sowing mustard seeds in northern India to ensure optimal yield?

   1. March to April
   2. Mid-October to early November
   3. Late December to January
   4. June to July

   Explanation: Sowing mustard seeds from mid-October to early November aligns with favorable temperatures and soil moisture, boosting yield and disease resistance. Sowing in late December to January or March to April exposes the crop to frost or heat, reducing yield. June to July generally has excessive rainfall, leading to poor crop establishment.

2. Soil Requirement

   Which type of soil is most suitable for cultivating mustard crops under typical rainfed conditions?

   1. Heavy clay soil
   2. Saline-alkali soil
   3. Sandy desert soil
   4. Well-drained loamy soil

   Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil provides a good balance of moisture retention and aeration, ideal for mustard growth. Heavy clay soils can cause waterlogging, while saline-alkali and sandy desert soils either have toxic salt levels or poor nutrient/water retention.

3. Fertilizer Application

   For optimal mustard growth, which nutrient combination should be emphasized during fertilizer application?

   1. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
   2. Iron and zinc exclusively
   3. Magnesium and boron only
   4. Calcium and potassium only

   Explanation: Mustard responds well to balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, essential for growth and oil content. Magnesium, boron, iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium are also needed, but not as primary macronutrients for mustard's major development.

4. Weed Management Practice

   What is an effective early weed management strategy in mustard fields to minimize competition?

   1. No intervention, as mustard outgrows weeds
   2. Manual weeding within 25–30 days after sowing
   3. Burning crop residues post-sowing
   4. Applying weedicides after flower initiation

   Explanation: Manual weeding within the first month removes weeds before they compete with young mustard plants for resources. Applying weedicides too late, relying on mustard to outgrow weeds, or burning residues post-sowing are less effective or risk damaging seedlings or the environment.

5. Common Pest Threat

   Which pest is commonly reported to seriously damage mustard crops during the flowering stage?

   1. Pod fly
   2. Stem borer
   3. Mustard aphid
   4. Leaf miner

   Explanation: Mustard aphids attack leaves and flower buds, reducing yield and plant vigor, particularly at flowering. Stem borers and pod flies affect mustard less frequently, while leaf miners rarely cause economic damage to this crop.