Keep watch on crops as aphid threat looms, farmers told
Agri officer advises farmers to conduct regular field visits
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Balkar Singh has urged farmers to regularly monitor their wheat and mustard fields in view of the possible attack of aphids with rising temperatures.
During a recent field inspection of wheat and mustard crops in Kapurthala district, Dr Singh stated that both crops are currently free from major diseases. However, he cautioned that the increasing temperatures may create favourable conditions for aphid infestation.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that feed on the leaves and grains of crops, leading to weak and shrivelled grains. The infestation usually begins from the outer edges of the fields and intensifies under tree shade and cloudy weather conditions. Although the aphid species attacking wheat and mustard are different, wheat fields located near mustard crops are more vulnerable to infestation.
Dr Singh advised farmers to conduct regular field visits and closely inspect their crops. In wheat, if the aphid population exceeds five aphids per ear head, farmers should spray 20 gram of thiamethoxam 25 WG per acre. The spray should preferably be carried out during afternoon hours to minimise harm to honeybees.
He further clarified that there is no likelihood of disease outbreak in wheat, therefore, farmers should avoid unnecessary fungicide sprays.
For mustard crops, spraying is recommended when more than 40–50 per cent of plants show aphid infestation or when 50–60 aphids are observed on the top of the main shoot. In such cases, farmers may apply thiamethoxam at 40 gram per acre or dimethoate at 400 ml per acre.
Dr Singh emphasised that timely monitoring and appropriate management are key to preventing yield losses and ensuring healthy crop production.
Advisory for mango growers
Hoshiarpur:
Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Senior Extension Scientist (Entomology) at the Farm Advisory Service Centre, Gangian, has advised mango growers in the district to remain alert against the increasing attack of mango hopper during March.
During February-March, when flowering (bloom) appears on trees, mango hoppers gather in large numbers on flowers and tender leaves and suck the sap. This directly affects fruit setting and reduces yield.
Dr Sharma said last year, many orchards faced serious infestation of the pest, causing financial losses to farmers. Therefore, timely identification and control are very important.
Dr Sharma advised that chemical sprays should be done in the evening hours when honeybees and other pollinators are not active on flowers. The first spray should preferably be neem-based.
He appealed to farmers to use pesticides strictly as per agricultural expert's advice and adopt timely control measures to protect the mango crop and ensure better production.
