Hisar: Agri Dept, Haryana Agriculture University sound alert for white rust

Deepender Deswal

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Hisar, February 8

The Haryana Agriculture Department and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University have sounded an alert for fungus (white rust) in mustard plants in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts. The fungus is likely to damage mustard crop, which could bring down the average yield by 30-40% in the late-sown crops, say experts.

During a recent field survey in about 153 villages in mustard-sowing districts, appearance of white rust has been noticed. “We have been issuing recommendations to spray a mixture to control and prevent the spread of the disease,” said a farm scientist.

“White rust was witnessed around November 15, but it was at the initial stage. When the temperature dropped in December and January, the disease was naturally controlled. But with the temperature around 20°C to 25°C, the fungus has surfaced in late-sown crops,” said Dr Rakesh Punia of the HAU. “Though it can be controlled by the spray of recommended medicine, farmers usually don’t care about the mustard crop and ignore the advisory from experts,” he said, adding that late cold conditions have resulted in its initiation this rabi season.

The Deputy Director Agriculture, Sirsa, Dr Sukhdev Kamboj, said he had also conducted a survey. “It occurs every year and can be controlled by spraying. It is at the initial stage and unlikely to cause major damage if the farmers take timely measures.”

Sirsa district has about 2 lakh acres under mustard while Fatehabad district has 60,000 acres under mustard.