ABSTRACT
Rapeseed and mustard are broadleaf, winter season, herbaceous annuals with large, deep tap roots that are extensively grown for edible oil and green fodder. Mustard can be infected by several pathogens that cause leaf diseases, root rot, and crown to stem infections. In this chapter, we critically analyze different aspects of disease ranging from economic importance to host range, distribution, pathogen(s), disease cycle, symptoms, and different strategic management plans according to the nature and seriousness of the problem. Generally, fungal diseases such as Alternaria blight, blackleg, clubroot, downy and powdery mildews, Sclerotinia stem rot, and white rust are the most devastating and significantly reduce forage quality and quantity but also cause severe yield losses. Among others are brown girdling root rot, damping-off, foot rot, pod drop, white leaf spot, and storage molds. Apart from this, diseases caused by bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses, and virus-like disorders are also briefly described. The reasoning behind compiling this chapter is to provide a baseline and up-to-date information on the etiology and management of diseases of rapeseed and mustard. This chapter will serve as a worthwhile resource for students, scientists, pathologists, and academics.
