Whitefly 'attack' in Bathinda, PAU experts visit farms to assess loss

Ludhiana, July 1

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Whiteflies have struck the cotton crop in Gurusar Sainewala, Gaheri Buttar, Mashana, Gurthari, Pac Kalan and Falarh villages of the Sangat block in Bathinda. A team of experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today visited the farms to monitor the crop under the guidance of Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education, and Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU.

While the whitefly attack was observed in all fields, in some areas it was noticed above the economic threshold level. While the incidence of pink bollworm and jassid was not seen in any crop.

Experts have called upon the cotton growers to conduct regular surveillance of their crop for the attack of whitefly and pink bollworm.

The cotton crop has been grown on 2.48 lakh hectares in the state during the current season. “In case the whitefly incidence is above the ETL, the crop may be sprayed with PAU homemade neem extract,” said PAU experts.

Meanwhile, farmers in Muktsar, Moga, Faridkot, Mansa and Fazilka districts too are apprehensive of damage to cotton crop by whitefly and pink bollworm.

A farm expert said although the recent rains had created hot and humid conditions conducive to the growth of insects and pests, it would have no impact on the reproduction or growth of whitefly.