Aphid attack on wheat crop in two blocks of region

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 6

During the last few days, the wheat crop in Ajanala and Fatehgarh Churian blocks of the region is under aphid attack. Aphids have invaded the crop near mustard fields and trees.

Meanwhile, farmers are also expecting rain as they do not want to spray chemicals. The agriculture experts have also predicted that a light rain would wash away aphids from the wheat crop.

However, they suggested farmers to monitor the crop regularly and spray recommended chemicals.

The Agriculture Department has advised farmers for a regular check of the crop to keep away aphids. According to sources in the department if population of wheat aphid is five or more per ear head then spray of 40 ml Imidacloprid 17.8 SL or 20 g Actara 25 WG or 12 g of Dantop 50 WDG in 100 litre of water is to required per acre.

Similarly, in mustard field, if the average number of aphids is 50-60 per 10 cm of terminal portion of the central shoot, then crop is to be sprayed with Actara 25 WG @ 40 g or Rogor 30 EC @ 400 ml in 80 to 125 litres of water per acre.

Dr Gurdeep Singh, an expert from the Agriculture Department said, “Overall growth and development of wheat crop is good. There is no need to worry, but farmers are advised to monitor their crops regularly. We are expecting good yield this year. The mild attack of aphid will not damage the crop much.”

He said, “As per predictions of the Agro Meteorology Department the region will receive light rain during the next few days. It will wash away aphids.”

However, there are no reports of yellow rust in the region. Farmers and officials of the Agriculture Department were worried about the early increase in the temperature during the last week of February and first week of March.