Combating Pink Bollworm in Cotton Crop: PAU Experts Suggest Surveillance and Swift Action
Ludhiana, June 29 : In a bid to safeguard the cotton fields of Punjab from the rampant infestation of pink bollworm, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, the Vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, embarked on a whirlwind tour of the cotton belt. Accompanied by his team of experts, including PAU's Director of Research, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, as well as scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Research Station, namely Dr Paramjit Singh, Dr Vijay Kumar, Dr Rajinder Kaur, Dr K S Sekhon, Dr Amarjit Singh, and Dr Jasjinder Kaur, the Vice-Chancellor sought to assess the state of the cotton crop.
Venturing into the cotton fields of the villages of Khiali Chehlanwali, Sahnewali, Burj Bhlaike, Jherianwali, Tandian in the Mansa district, and Talwandi Sabo, Behman Kaur Singh, Malkana, Singo, Kaur Singh Wala in the Bathinda district, Dr S.S. Gosal expressed concern over the prevailing threat of the pink bollworm. This formidable pest, known to thrive in the cotton crops of North India, posed a significant risk to the region's cotton growers, he remarked. The survey revealed that early-sown crops between 60 to 80 days old were particularly susceptible, with pink bollworm infestation reaching up to 15 percent. However, the majority of the normally sown areas remained relatively unscathed by pests, with insignificant incidences of sucking insect pests such as whitefly, jassid, thrips, and mealybug.
Dr A.S. Dhatt, providing an update on the cotton crop, conveyed an optimistic outlook, but not without caution. Addressing the farmers, he emphasized the need for vigilance and immediate action upon spotting the pink bollworm. His recommendation entailed promptly spraying the crop with insecticides that align with established guidelines.
Elaborating on effective management strategies, Dr Vijay Kumar stressed the importance of inspecting flowers and cotton bolls for signs of the pink bollworm. To carry out this crucial task, he advised the farmers to examine a minimum of 100 flowers from various locations, paying particular attention to rosette flowers. If the presence of the pink bollworm was detected, spraying the crop with 100 g of emamectin benzoate 5SG (Proclaim), 500 ml of profenophos 50EC (Curacron), 200 ml of indoxacarb 14.5SC (Avaunt), or 250 g of thiodicarb 75WP (Larvin) per acre was deemed essential to combat the infestation.
With the Punjab Agricultural University taking proactive measures to combat the pink bollworm invasion, cotton growers are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly employ the recommended strategies to protect their valuable crops.
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