Orobanche Weed Threatens Mustard Yields Across Key Growing States

India’s mustard crop, the country’s largest indigenous source of edible oil, is facing a growing agronomic challenge from the parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca. Cultivated across nearly nine million hectares, mainly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal, mustard plays a critical role in domestic edible oil production and import substitution.

Rising Infestation and Yield Losses

Orobanche aegyptiaca, locally known as margoja, attaches itself to mustard roots and siphons off nutrients, carbon and water. This underground parasitism leads to wilting, yellowing and stunted plant growth, sharply reducing seed yields. Farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan report significant declines. In Sirsa district of Haryana, average yields have fallen from 9–12 quintals per acre in earlier years to nearly 6 quintals in the 2024–25 season, despite following recommended herbicide sprays.

Why Orobanche Is a “Hidden Threat”

According to Bhagirath Choudhary, director of the Jodhpur-based South Asia Biotechnology Centre, Orobanche has emerged as the most serious hidden threat to mustard. The weed remains underground during early stages, and by the time its shoots appear above the soil, substantial crop damage has already occurred. Each plant produces thousands of tiny seeds that can remain viable in soil for up to 20 years, creating persistent seed banks and enabling rapid spread, especially in fields under repeated mustard cultivation.

Implications for Edible Oil Security

Mustard contributes over 4 million tonnes to India’s annual indigenous edible oil production of about 10.5–10.6 million tonnes. With India importing nearly 16 million tonnes of edible oils annually, valued at over $18 billion in 2024–25, yield losses in mustard pose a strategic concern. The increasing vulnerability of the crop to Orobanche, along with pests and fungal diseases, undermines efforts to reduce import dependence.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Orobanche aegyptiaca is a root parasitic weed affecting mustard.
• Mustard is India’s largest indigenous edible oil crop.
• Orobanche seeds can remain viable in soil for up to 20 years.
• India imports around 16 million tonnes of edible oils annually.

Herbicide Resistance and Policy Choices Ahead

Conventional herbicides like glyphosate are non-selective and cannot be safely used on normal mustard varieties. New herbicide-tolerant hybrids, such as those resistant to imidazolinone herbicides, are being adopted by some farmers with encouraging early results. Parallelly, scientists at University of Delhi have developed genetically modified mustard lines resistant to multiple herbicides. Given mustard’s economic importance, policymakers face critical decisions on breeding technologies and crop regulation, balancing science, farm economics and long-term food security.