Mustard Mastery Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your understanding of mustard crop management with these targeted questions covering best practices, agronomy, and disease control. Perfect for farmers, agronomists, and students seeking to improve mustard yields.

1. Optimal Sowing Time

   Which period is generally considered best for sowing mustard crops in the North Indian plains for optimal yield?

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

   Explanation: Sowing mustard during mid-October to early November aligns with favorable temperature and moisture conditions, promoting better germination and growth. Late December to January is too cold and delays maturity. Early August to mid-September may cause the crop to face high rainfall and pest attacks. Late March to early April is too late, exposing the crop to high temperatures and hampered development.

2. Recommended Seed Rate

   What is the typical recommended seed rate for sowing mustard using a row-to-row spacing of 30 cm?

   1. 10–12 kg per hectare
   2. 4–5 kg per hectare
   3. 1–2 kg per hectare
   4. 7–8 kg per hectare

   Explanation: Using 4–5 kg of seed per hectare allows for proper plant population and minimizes overcrowding, which can reduce yields. Rates of 10–12 kg/ha and 7–8 kg/ha are excessive, leading to dense stands. The 1–2 kg/ha rate is insufficient for adequate crop coverage.

3. Major Disease Identification

   In mustard cultivation, which disease is characterized by white, powdery fungal growth on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions?

   1. Downy mildew
   2. Alternaria blight
   3. Powdery mildew
   4. White rust

   Explanation: Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery coating under humid conditions. Alternaria blight involves dark lesions, not powder. Downy mildew creates yellow spots and whitish growth underneath leaves. White rust is identified by white blister-like pustules rather than powdery layers.

4. Nutrient Management Practice

   For balanced nutrient management in mustard, which fertilizer application approach is generally recommended when using both nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers?

   1. Apply only nitrogen as a top dressing at flowering
   2. Apply full phosphorus and half nitrogen at sowing, remaining nitrogen at flowering
   3. Apply all nitrogen and phosphorus at sowing
   4. Apply phosphorus in multiple splits after sowing

   Explanation: Applying all phosphorus and half the nitrogen at sowing ensures early root and shoot growth. The rest of the nitrogen at flowering meets crop demand during key growth stages. Applying all fertilizers at once can lead to losses. Phosphorus is not typically split after sowing, and top-dressing only nitrogen misses phosphorus requirements.

5. Irrigation Scheduling

   During which crop stage is irrigation most critical for achieving good mustard yields, particularly in regions with limited rainfall?

   1. Pre-sowing land preparation
   2. Early seedling emergence
   3. Flowering and pod filling stage
   4. Harvest stage

   Explanation: Irrigation at flowering and pod filling is crucial, as water stress during these phases leads to poor seed set and reduced yields. While early growth benefits from moisture, critical yield losses occur with drought at the reproductive stage. Pre-sowing irrigation aids germination but is less critical, and irrigation at harvest can damage mature crops.