Dr Akshay Ujjwal
Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dimapur
Dimapur, Nagaland: The timely sowing of toria (rapeseed) by a large number of farmers across Nagaland this season has created strong prospects for healthy crop growth and higher productivity, agricultural experts have stated. Timely sowing is one of the most critical factors for successful oilseed cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of the state. Dr.AkshayUjjwal, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dimapur, appreciated the farmers for completing sowing at the recommended time and urged them to now focus on proper and scientific crop management practices to protect the crop from diseases, insect pests and temperature stress.
Timely sowing provides a strong foundation for the crop. It ensures better germination, uniform plant population and stronger root development, which ultimately leads to better nutrient uptake and higher yield,” Dr Ujjwal said.
Soil-Borne Diseases: A Major Challenge- Toria crop is highly vulnerable to soil-borne diseases, particularly during the early growth stages. Common diseases include damping-off, root rot and collar rot, which are more severe in fields with poor drainage and continuous oilseed cultivation.
Excess soil moisture creates favourable conditions for fungal pathogens, resulting in seedling mortality and weak crop stand. Farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage, follow crop rotation, and adopt seed treatment with Trichoderma or recommended fungicides to minimize losses.
Leaf Diseases and Their Management - During crop growth, leaf diseases such as Alternaria blight and white rust may appear, especially under humid weather conditions. These diseases cause leaf spots, yellowing, premature drying and, in severe cases, deformation of flowers and pods.
Dr Ujjwal emphasized the importance of regular field monitoring and recommended timely application of appropriate fungicides at the initial stage of disease appearance to prevent yield losses.
Insect Pest Infestation
Insect pests remain a serious concern in toria cultivation. Aphids are the most common pest, sucking sap from young plant parts and affecting flowering and pod formation. Leaf-eating caterpillars also damage foliage.
An integrated pest management (IPM) approach has been advised, including field scouting, use of neem-based biopesticides, and chemical control only when pest population crosses the economic threshold level.
Importance of Temperature Management
Temperature plays a decisive role in determining toria yield. The crop is sensitive to high temperature as well as sudden cold spells, especially during flowering and pod development stages.
“Late sowing exposes the crop to heat stress during flowering, leading to flower drop and poor pod setting,” Dr.Ujjwal explained. Maintaining adequate soil moisture and avoiding delayed agronomic operations can help reduce temperature-related damage.
Balanced Nutrition and Weed Control
Balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing is essential for optimum crop growth. Excess nitrogen should be avoided as it may increase disease incidence.
Weed infestation during the early growth period can significantly reduce yield by competing for nutrients, moisture and sunlight. Farmers are advised to carry out one to two timely weedings to keep fields clean.
Advisory for Farmers
KVK Dimapur has urged farmers to remain vigilant throughout the crop season. With timely sowing already achieved, adoption of proper disease management, pest control and temperature protection measures can ensure healthy crop growth and improved farm income.
