The mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on mustard plants by sucking sap from leaves, buds, and pods. These pests cause leaves to curl and plants to become stunted or even die if heavily infested. The sticky honeydew they excrete leads to the growth of sooty mold, making fields appear sick and blighted. Aphids are most active from December to March, and their rapid reproduction, especially in the early stages of mustard growth, can lead to severe crop damage.
Mustard Aphid - (Lipaphis erysimi)
What is Aphids?
Aphids (Lipaphis erysimi), are a major pest of mustard crops in India and other tropical regions. These small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects suck the sap from mustard leaves, buds, and pods, causing significant damage. Managing aphid infestations in mustard is crucial because the pest can severely impact crop yield, and the timing of the infestation can significantly affect the crop's health and growth.
Damaging Symptoms of Mustard Aphid
- Leaves curl, and at advanced stages, plants wither and die.
- Stunted plant growth and reduced vigor.
- Sooty molds grow on honeydew excreted by aphids.
- Infested fields appear sickly and blighted.
- Both nymphs and adults suck sap from leaves, buds, and pods.
The economic impact of mustard aphids on mustard crops
Mustard aphids can cause severe economic losses, reducing yield by up to 96% in extreme cases. They affect various aspects of crop productivity, including reducing the number of branches, siliques (seed pods), grains per silique, and oil content.The damage caused by aphids leads to stunted plant growth, wilting, and the formation of sooty molds, significantly diminishing both crop quality and market value.
Best Products for Mustard Aphid Control
Katyayani DEMAT
Katyayani Demat is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide containing DIMETHOATE 30% EC, known for its systemic, contact, and stomach action. It effectively controls a wide range of piercing, sucking, and chewing pests, including aphids, thrips, and caterpillars. As an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, it disrupts the nervous system of pests, providing powerful protection for crops such as mustard, cabbage, cauliflower, chilli, onion, tomato, and many fruit crops.
Benefits of Katyayani DEMAT
- Katyayani Demat is absorbed by plants and distributed throughout their tissues, providing comprehensive protection against pests, including those that feed on sap.
- Effective against a wide range of sucking and chewing pests such as aphids, whiteflies, Jassid and thrips across various crops.
- Offers rapid action against pests, reducing crop damage quickly after application.
- Provides extended protection due to its residual action, minimising the need for frequent reapplications.
- Suitable for use on a variety of crops including cotton, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and ornamental plants, making it a versatile option for farmers.
How to use Katyayani DEMAT
Mix 250-300 ml of Katyayani DEMAT with 200 litres of water per acre and apply through spraying.
Conclusion
Mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) can severely damage crops, causing stunted growth, reduced yield, and the growth of sooty molds. Timely management is crucial to prevent economic losses. Katyayani DEMAT, a broad-spectrum insecticide, offers effective control against aphids by providing rapid action and extended protection. By using Katyayani DEMAT, farmers can safeguard their mustard crops, improve yield, and ensure healthier, more profitable harvests.
FAQs
Q. What is the mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)?
A. The mustard aphid is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on mustard plants by sucking sap from leaves, buds, and pods.
Q. What damage does the mustard aphid cause to mustard crops?
A. Mustard aphids cause leaves to curl, plants to become stunted, and in severe infestations, plants may wither and die.
Q. When are mustard aphids most active?
A. Mustard aphids are most active from December to March.
Q. What is the chemical management of aphid?
A. Katyayani DEMAT is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide containing Dimethoate (30% EC). It is effective against mustard aphids.
Q. How should Katyayani DEMAT be applied?
A. Mix 250-300 ml of Katyayani DEMAT with 200 litres of water per acre and apply through spraying.
