The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a comprehensive advisory aimed at effectively controlling whitefly infestations in cotton crops. Farmers are urged to adopt timely preventive and management measures to safeguard their yields.
Key Recommendations for Farmers
According to the advisory, farmers cultivating early cotton crops should conduct pest scouting at least twice a week. This regular monitoring helps in early detection and management of whitefly populations. Removal of weeds around cotton fields has been made essential to reduce pest infestation, as weeds often serve as alternate hosts.
Monitoring Alternative Host Crops
Farmers have also been advised to regularly monitor alternative host crops such as brinjal, cucumber, pumpkin, tomato, chilli, okra, and mung bean. Controlling whitefly on these plants is crucial to prevent their spread to cotton fields.
Irrigation and Water Management
The advisory further recommends ensuring proper irrigation to avoid water stress in cotton fields. Stressed plants are more susceptible to pest attacks, so maintaining adequate moisture is key.
Use of Yellow Sticky Traps
For whitefly monitoring and control, farmers should install 15 to 20 yellow sticky traps per acre. The adhesive on these traps should be replaced every 15 days to maintain effectiveness.
Pesticide Application
The department emphasized that pesticide application should only be carried out after consultation with local agricultural experts of the Punjab Agriculture Department. Indiscriminate use of pesticides can lead to resistance and harm beneficial insects.
