Pokkah boeng, top borer detected in Yamunanagar sugarcane fields

Infestation of pokkah boeng disease, top borer and sap-sucking insects has been detected in sugarcane crops across several villages in Yamunanagar district, raising concerns of a potential dip in yields.

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A joint inspection was recently carried out by agricultural scientists from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s Regional Research Centre, Uchani (Karnal) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Damla (Yamunanagar). The villages surveyed fall within the command area of Saraswati Sugar Mills.

The expert team comprised Dr Maha Singh, Dr Aradhana, Dr Harbinder Singh, Dr Naveen Kumar and Dr Vijeta Gupta. The inspection covered villages including Kartarpur, Bakana, Dholi, Mohri and Alahar.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra coordinator Dr Sandeep Rawal said, “The highest infestation of pokkah boeng was observed in sugarcane varieties CO-0118 and CO-0238.”

He said, “Top borer infestation was also seen in CO-0238, but it remained at 5%, which is below the economic threshold level (ETL). So, no chemical spray is needed. Farmers should simply uproot and destroy the affected plants.”

For treatment of pokkah boeng, farmers have been advised to spray carbendazim (0.2%) or peroconazole (0.1%). To tackle sap-sucking insects, 600 ml of dimethoate (Rogor) 30 EC per acre is recommended. “Use 300 to 400 litres of water per acre for proper spraying,” Dr Rawal said.

Looking ahead, he advised farmers to adopt biological control measures against the terai borer. “Release one tricho card per acre, four times between August and September. These are available at the Uchani Regional Research Centre,” he said.

Progressive farmers including Satpal Kaushik, Satish Kumar, Dharam Pal and Vagish Kamboj were also present during the inspection.