Mustard Mastery Quiz Quiz

Enhance your understanding of mustard crop management with these practical, fact-based questions. Covers agronomic practices, pest control, nutrient management, and harvesting strategies.

1. Optimal Sowing Time

   What is generally considered the ideal time for sowing mustard crops in the northern plains of India for maximum yield?

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

   Explanation: Sowing mustard between mid-October and early November ensures favorable weather for germination and growth. Sowing in late December to January delays crop maturity and reduces yield. Early August to mid-September exposes the crop to excessive rains, while late February to March is too late for the rabi season.

2. Soil Preference

   Which soil type is most suitable for the healthy growth of mustard crops?

   1. Sandy soil with poor fertility
   2. Well-drained loamy soil
   3. Highly acidic peat soil
   4. Waterlogged clay soil

   Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil provides optimal aeration and nutrients, supporting robust mustard growth. Waterlogged clay leads to root diseases, sandy soil lacks nutrients and water retention, and highly acidic peat soil can hinder nutrient uptake.

3. Fertilizer Management

   For balanced nutrient supply, which fertilizer schedule is typically recommended when cultivating mustard?

   1. Fertilize with potassium only at flowering
   2. Apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at sowing; top-dress remaining nitrogen after 30 days
   3. Apply all fertilizers as a basal dose after 45 days
   4. Use only organic manure before planting

   Explanation: Splitting nitrogen fertilization with a portion at sowing and a top-dressing improves uptake and yield. Using only organic manure may not meet nutrient requirements. Delaying all fertilization reduces early vigor, and using only potassium at flowering is insufficient for mustard's needs.

4. Major Pest Identification

   Which pest commonly attacks mustard crops and can severely affect pod development?

   1. Armyworms
   2. Stem borers
   3. Aphids
   4. Fruit flies

   Explanation: Aphids are a major pest for mustard, sucking plant sap and reducing pod and seed yield. Stem borers and armyworms are more damaging to cereal crops, while fruit flies are primarily pests of fruit crops.

5. Harvest Timing

   When is the right time to harvest mustard to minimize seed shattering and losses in the field?

   1. Wait until all siliquae fall to the ground
   2. When most siliquae turn yellow and lower leaves shed
   3. Immediately after flowering
   4. When all leaves are still green and siliquae are soft

   Explanation: Harvesting when most siliquae are yellow and leaves have shed reduces shattering and seed loss. Harvesting immediately post-flowering or when siliquae are soft leads to underdeveloped seeds, while waiting too long can result in severe shattering.