Effect of different date of sowing on incidence of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)

Mustard is a vital crop for India's agricultural economy, serving as the country's second-largest oilseed crop after groundnut. It covers around 5.6 million hectares, contributing nearly 30% of India's edible oil production with an average yield of 1.14 metric tons per hectare. Mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) can wreak havoc on crops, but some varieties show impressive resistance. In this study, DRMR 1153-12 stood out, hosting the fewest aphids (27.00-52.40 per 10 cm shoot) during the 2023 season. BBM-1 also performed well, with aphid counts ranging from 34.40 to 76.30, peaking in mid-November. In contrast, Pitambari was far more susceptible, with aphid numbers soaring to 109.30.