Enhancing Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) yield through indigenous broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca) management towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Abstract

The infestation of Orobanche aegyptiaca has significantly contributed to the edible oil crisis in India, threatening mustard productivity. This study explores an integrated management strategy that aligns with NEP 2020 by combining indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) with modern agricultural science. The research serves as a tool for experiential learning, helping students develop problem-solving skills by addressing real-world farm challenges through a multidisciplinary lens. A pot experiment was conducted during 2024-2025 rabi season (November to March) to study the effects of goat manure, sodium silicate and glyphosate on yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by reducing broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca) infestation at Hisar (India). The study was designed as a completely randomized experiment with six treatments and three replications per treatment. The treatments included: (T0) Control; (T1) goat manure (500 g); (T2) sodium silicate (7 g); (T3) glyphosate (43 ppm 30 days after sowing [DAS] and 86 ppm at 50-55 DAS); (T4) a combination of sodium silicate and goat manure; and (T5) a combination of sodium silicate, goat manure, and glyphosate (using the same doses as in individual treatments) per 10 kg soil. The cultivar used was RH-725 Indian mustard. O. aegyptiaca seeds were collected from infested fields in March-April 2023. The impact was analysed through various yield parameters, providing crucial data for sustainable farming. The results showed an increase in mustard yield and a reduction in O. aegyptiaca infestation in all treatments compared to the control. Among all treatments, T5 showed the highest mustard yield and the minimum O. aegyptiaca infestation. Such integrated approaches are essential for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision of oilseed self-sufficiency.