Imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids

Why in News?

Indian farmers are set to begin the large-scale cultivation of imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids during the 2026–27 rabi season (October–April). These new mustard hybrids have been developed to combat Orobanche aegyptiaca, a parasitic weed that has emerged as a major constraint to mustard productivity and edible oil production in India.

Background

India continues to face a significant deficit in edible oils and remains heavily dependent on imports. In 2024–25, the country imported nearly 16 million tonnes of edible oils at a cost of approximately ₹1.6 lakh crore. Enhancing domestic oilseed production has therefore become an important agricultural and economic priority.

Mustard is India’s largest edible oil-yielding crop and contributes more than 4 million tonnes of edible oil annually out of the country’s total indigenous edible oil production of around 10.5–10.6 million tonnes.

The crop plays a crucial role in improving India’s self-reliance in edible oils and reducing import dependence.

What are IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids?

IMI-resistant mustard hybrids are varieties that can tolerate imidazolinone-group herbicides, enabling effective control of certain weeds without damaging the mustard crop.

These hybrids have been specifically developed to address the challenge posed by Orobanche infestation, which significantly reduces mustard yields in many growing regions.

About Orobanche (Phelipanche)

Orobanche aegyptiaca, now more commonly referred to as Phelipanche aegyptiaca, is a parasitic flowering weed that attacks the roots of host plants such as mustard.

Unlike ordinary weeds, it lacks sufficient chlorophyll and depends entirely on the host plant for its survival. 

The parasite attaches itself to the roots of mustard plants and extracts nutrients, water, carbon compounds. As a result, infected mustard plants experience: wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, reduced seed formation, lower overall yields. Because much of the parasite remains underground during its growth stages, early detection and control are difficult.

Significance of IMI-Resistant Mustard

The introduction of IMI-resistant mustard hybrids is expected to:

• Reduce yield losses caused by Orobanche.
• Improve mustard productivity and profitability for farmers.
• Increase domestic edible oil production.
• Lower India’s dependence on edible oil imports.
• Strengthen national oilseed self-sufficiency.

Sources: IE & TH