Optimizing Weed Control: A Review of Integrated Weed Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.), a species of the cruciferous family, is the world's third most significant oilseed crop, following soybean and palm. Mustard seeds range in oil content from 37 to 49%. India is the fourth-largest producer of mustard and rapeseed in the world. The most significant issue causing mustard's low yield is weed control. Crop yields are significantly reduced by weeds; in the case of mustard, this can mean a complete failure rate of 15–30%. Crop plants compete with weeds for nutrients, sunlight, space, and water. In addition to lowering crop quality, weeds pose a number of nutritional and environmental hazards. In mustard crops, weed competition is particularly important in the early stages since the crop grows slowly in the first 4–8 weeks after sowing. On the other hand, 15–40 days are the critical window for crop–weed competition. Weed control must be carried out appropriately and on time in order to maximize mustard growth and production. During the early stages of crop growth, 25–30 days after sowing, the traditional practice of hand weeding once is insufficient because weeds always reappear after manual weeding, irrigation, or winter rainfall. More importantly, though, is that these weeds drain a large amount of the soil's moisture and nutrients. Though hand weeding mustard is simple, the expense of doing so is significant due to the scarcity of labor at the appropriate time and the uncontrolled growth of various intra row weeds. Weeds may become tolerant of herbicides despite their regular and high dosage application. Therefore, combined approaches could be the best option to control the complex weed flora in mustard.