Cotton fields are prone to ball worm attacks
An entomology expert from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have advised farmers to keep monitoring cotton fields regularly for pink bollworm infestation. Referring to the history of pink bollworm, Dr Amandeep Kaur, Entomologist, said that the pest was earlier observed on Bt cotton hybrids in Southern India.
“In 2018, it was first noticed in North India in Jind district of Haryana and 2019 and 2020, it attacked cotton bolls in different villages of Bathinda,” she revealed. As per the recent survey conducted by PAU experts in Mansa district, the attack of pink bollworm has resulted in damage of the crops at some places, she warned. Dr Kaur urged cotton growers to remain vigilant and contact PAU experts, if any incidence of pink bollworm on Bt cotton is observed. She also explained the life cycle, symptoms and control measures of pink bollworm during the PAU live programme on September 10, 2021.
Dr Madhu Bala, Floriculturist, said that flower growers are cultivating marigold, chrysanthemum, gladiolus, rose, desi rose, etc. for commercial purpose and household garden decoration. The demand for flowers was escalating due to their traditional uses, she added, while explaining the cultivation practices and marketing of different flower crops.
Gurpreet Virk and Dr Inderpreet Kaur Boparai, PAU experts, advised the farmers to provide irrigation to paddy and basmati as per need. In maize, irrigation should be given in time as lack of irrigation may affect its yield, they added.
