Archives of Current Research International

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major sap-sucking pest of rapeseed–mustard and can cause substantial reductions in crop vigour, seed yield and oil content under severe infestation. This review synthesises the supplied literature and selected verified supporting studies on incidence, seasonal population dynamics, weather relationships, crop and host effects, natural enemies, yield consequences and management. Across Indian agro-ecosystems, mustard aphid activity generally occurs during the Rabi season, with peak abundance frequently reported from the 6^th to 9^th standard meteorological weeks, although the exact peak varies with location, sowing date, cultivar, crop stage and weather. Representative studies have reported peak densities ranging from 250-300 aphids per 10 cm central twig under different environments and sowing schedules. Weather relationships are not uniform: temperature may be positively associated with build-up in some phases and locations but negatively associated during population decline or under warmer conditions; relative humidity and rainfall likewise show variable relationships. Natural enemies, particularly Coccinella septempunctata, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, syrphid larvae and Diaeretiella rapae, contribute to ecological regulation. The review therefore supports an integrated strategy combining timely sowing, balanced crop nutrition, host-plant resistance, conservation biological control, monitoring-based botanical/biorational interventions and selective insecticide use. Forecasting based on weather and crop variables has already been demonstrated for oilseed Brassicas, and current opportunities include smartphone imaging, machine learning and decision-support systems.