Assessment of yield loss in mustard due to mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)

Abstract

Mustard is a vital crop for India's agricultural economy, serving as the country's second-largest oilseed crop after groundnut. This study evaluates the impact of aphid infestation on mustard crop yield under protected (insecticide-treated) and unprotected conditions during 2023-2024. Results showed significantly lower aphid populations (10.40-18.90 per plant) in protected plots compared to unprotected ones (50.40-65.00), with Yellow Sarson exhibiting the highest pest vulnerability. Protected cultivation substantially improved yields, with PM-30 (18.2 q/ha) and BBM-1 (20.0 q/ha) outperforming their unprotected counterparts (12.2 and 13.0 q/ha, respectively). Yellow Sarson recorded the lowest yield difference (12.0 vs. 9.0 q/ha). Field losses were highest in BBM-1 (7.0 q/ha), followed by PM-30 (6.0 q/ha) and Yellow Sarson (3.0 q/ha). Economic analysis revealed the highest cost-benefit ratio for BBM-1 (1:1.53) and PM-30 (1:1.48), with BBM-1 also achieving the highest monetary gain (Rs. 41,650). Avoidable losses were greatest in BBM-1 (35.00%), followed by PM-30 (32.96%) and Yellow Sarson (25.00%).