Brassica juncea

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 # 07 Mustard

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Brassica
Species: B. juncea

Scientific Name: Brassica juncea

Common Names: Mustard, Brown Mustard, Indian Mustard, Chinese Mustard

Habit: Mustard is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height. It has a branching, erect stem that is usually hairless or sparsely hairy.

Root: Mustard has a fibrous root system that can grow up to 60-90 cm deep in well-drained soil. The roots are usually shallow in compacted soil and can be easily pulled out.

Stem: The stem of mustard is round, smooth, and usually green or purplish in color. It is often branched and can become woody at the base with age.

Leaf: The leaves of mustard are alternate, petiolate, and can be deeply lobed or simple, depending on the variety. They are usually dark green in color, but can have a bluish-gray tint. The leaves have a pungent, spicy aroma and taste due to the presence of glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds.

Flower: Mustard flowers are small, yellow, and have four petals arranged in a cross shape. They are arranged in terminal racemes and can be up to 60 cm long. The flowers are self-fertile and can produce both perfect and imperfect flowers on the same plant.

Calyx: The calyx of mustard flowers consists of four sepals that are green and arranged in a cross shape, similar to the petals. The sepals are typically shorter than the petals.

Corolla: The corolla of mustard flowers consists of four petals that are yellow in color and arranged in a cross shape. The petals are typically longer than the sepals.

Androecium: The androecium of mustard flowers consists of six stamens, four long and two short, arranged in two whorls. The stamens have yellow anthers that contain pollen.

Gynoecium: The gynoecium of mustard flowers consists of a single pistil that is elongated and contains a single ovary, style, and stigma. The ovary is superior and contains many ovules.

Fruit: The fruit of mustard is a cylindrical or oblong silique that is typically 2-3 cm long. The silique is divided into two compartments by a central partition, with the seeds arranged in a single row within each compartment.

Floral formula: The floral formula of mustard is typically written as:
✶ K4 C4 A6+2 G(2)

✶ represents actinomorphic symmetry
K4 represents four sepals
C4 represents four petals
A6+2 represents six stamens, four long and two short
G(2) represents a gynoecium with two carpels.

Caring for Mustard: Mustard is a relatively easy crop to grow, and it requires the following care:

  • Soil: Mustard prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
  • Water: Mustard requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Irrigation should be done once a week in the absence of rainfall.
  • Fertilizer: Mustard responds well to nitrogen fertilizers. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be applied at the beginning of the growing season to promote healthy growth.
  • Pests and Diseases: Mustard is susceptible to various pests and diseases such as aphids, flea beetles, and downy mildew. Proper pest and disease management strategies should be employed to protect the crop.

Significance and Economic Importance:

  • Culinary Use: Mustard seeds are used as a spice in cooking and food processing. They can be used whole or ground to produce mustard paste, which is commonly used as a condiment.
  • Oil Production: Mustard seeds can be used to produce mustard oil, which is commonly used for cooking and in the manufacturing of soaps, cosmetics, and lubricants.
  • Cover Crop: Mustard is commonly used as a cover crop due to its ability to suppress weeds, fix nitrogen, and improve soil health.
  • Green Manure: Mustard can be used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients.
  • Forage Crop: Mustard is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value.
  • Research: Mustard is used as a model organism in various areas of research such as genetics, biochemistry, and plant development.
Overall, mustard is an important crop with diverse uses and economic significance. Its versatility and easy cultivation make it a popular crop among farmers and gardeners alike.


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