Context: India’s mustard crop is facing a serious agronomic challenge due to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca.
Orobanche aegyptiaca (Egyptian Broomrape)
- Orobanche aegyptiaca is an obligate root-parasitic angiosperm weed.
- It is achlorophyllous (lacks chlorophyll) and therefore incapable of photosynthesis.
- The parasite establishes a haustorial connection with the host plant roots and extracts water, nutrients, and assimilated carbon.
- It predominantly infects mustard (Brassica spp.), though it can parasitise other crops as well.
Impact on Mustard Crop
- Severe depletion of host resources leads to:
oPhysiological stress
oWilting and chlorosis
oReduced vegetative growth
- Results in substantial reduction in seed yield and oil content.
- Infestation is difficult to detect at early stages as most of the parasite’s life cycle occurs below ground.
About Mustard
- Mustard is India’s largest edible oil-yielding crop and a key component of national oilseed security.
- Sowing period: Mid- to late-October (Rabi season).
- Largest producing state: Rajasthan.
Other Biotic Stresses in Mustard
- Insect pests: Aphids (most economically damaging).
- Diseases: White rust (Albugo candida), Leaf blight. Stem rot, Powdery mildew
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
