Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Climatic Requirement

Rapeseed and mustard are cultivated in rabi season. Crop requires cool, dry and clear weather with temperature of 18-25 °C for its growth and development. Growth of crop ceases if temperature falls below 3°C and above 35-40 °C. Long day with adequate sunshine are ideal for its good production. Crop need fairly good soil moisture and can be grown in areas receiving 350-450 mm annual rainfall. High rainfall, high humidity and cloudy atmosphere at flowering increases incidence of aphids and other diseases and at the same time pollination is adversely affected as movement of honey bees is restricted because of rains. The crops of the group are also susceptible to frost and water logging.