ABSTRACT
Brassicas are commonly known as rapeseed-mustard which is a very important group of oilseed crops in the world. Brown sarson which once dominated the entire rapeseed-mustard growing region is now shadowed by Indian mustard in terms of both acreage and production. Despite having a high quality of edible oil and also wide adaptability for varied agro-climatic conditions, the area, production and productivity of rapeseed-mustard in India have been fluctuating due to various biotic and abiotic stresses coupled with India's domestic price support program. The pathogen attacking all green aerial parts of the plant reduces its photosynthetic area and vigour. There is no doubt that Alternaria blight and Sclerotinia rot are the most destructive diseases of rapeseed mustard across the world. The most commonly used method is the use of fungicides, but, extensive use against pathogens leads to serious health hazards to human beings and also to environmental pollution.
