In many mustard-growing districts of West Bengal—Burdwan, Hooghly, Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas—farmers are reporting increasing attacks of Mustard Sawfly (Athalia lugens) and Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi).
Sudden drops in temperature, early morning fog, and prolonged cloudy conditions are creating ideal conditions for both pests to thrive.
1. Mustard Sawfly (Early-Stage Pest)
Symptoms
- Caterpillar-like larvae feeding on leaf edges.
- Skeletonization of leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis.
- Severe attack can destroy young seedlings.
Expert Recommendation
Hand-pick larvae during early morning. Spray Chlorpyriphos 20% EC or Quinalphos 25% EC at recommended dose. Maintain clean bunds and remove crucifer weeds.
2. Mustard Aphid (Peak from Flowering to Pod Formation)
Symptoms
- Clusters of greenish-black aphids on tender shoots.
- Curling of leaves and sticky honeydew on pods.
- Sooty mold development and significant loss in seed yield & oil content.
Expert Recommendation
Use yellow sticky traps (10 per acre) for monitoring. Spray Imidacloprid 17.8% SL, Thiamethoxam 25% WG, or Flonicamid 50% WG at ETL (50–60 aphids/10 cm terminal shoot).Avoid excess nitrogen application.
