Mustard Mastery Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts of mustard crop management, from soil preparation to pest control, and optimize your mustard yield with essential knowledge.

1. Ideal Soil for Mustard

   Which type of soil is generally considered most suitable for cultivating mustard crops with optimal growth?

   1. Loamy soil with good drainage
   2. Sandy soil with low fertility
   3. Waterlogged black soil
   4. Heavy clay soil

   Explanation: Loamy soil with good drainage provides the best balance of moisture retention and aeration, supporting healthy mustard growth. Heavy clay soil often becomes compacted, limiting root development. Sandy soil with low fertility lacks essential nutrients. Waterlogged black soil can cause root rot and stunted growth.

2. Optimal Sowing Time

   In northern India, what is the recommended sowing period for mustard to ensure high productivity?

   1. Mid-October to early November
   2. Late December to early January
   3. Mid-March to April
   4. Early August to mid-September

   Explanation: Mid-October to early November aligns with the start of the rabi season, providing favorable temperatures and moisture for mustard germination. Early August to mid-September is too soon, risking exposure to excessive heat. Late December to early January and mid-March to April are too late, shortening the crop cycle and reducing yields.

3. Seed Rate Recommendation

   What is the commonly recommended seed rate per hectare for line-sown mustard crops under normal conditions?

   1. 15–18 kg per hectare
   2. 10–12 kg per hectare
   3. 1–2 kg per hectare
   4. 4–6 kg per hectare

   Explanation: A seed rate of 4–6 kg per hectare ensures proper plant population and optimizes yield potential for line-sown mustard. Using 10–12 or 15–18 kg would cause overcrowding, and 1–2 kg is insufficient for good crop stand.

4. Fertilizer Application

   For balanced mustard nutrition, which combination of major nutrients is generally recommended at sowing?

   1. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur
   2. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
   3. Only phosphorous
   4. Only nitrogen

   Explanation: Mustard requires a balanced application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at sowing for vigorous growth. Only nitrogen or only phosphorus omits other essential nutrients. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are secondary or micronutrients, not the main focus for standard fertilizer recommendations.

5. Major Pest Control

   Which pest is most commonly a major threat to mustard crops, especially at the flowering stage, requiring targeted management?

   1. Cutworms
   2. Aphids
   3. Red spider mites
   4. Stem borers

   Explanation: Aphids are a major pest in mustard during flowering, sucking sap and transmitting viral diseases. Stem borers and cutworms are more problematic in cereal crops, while red spider mites are uncommon on mustard. Timely management of aphids helps protect yield and quality.