Experts in agriculture warn cotton growers of the threat posed by boltworm attacks in South Malwa due to rain washouts.
Agricultural experts from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the state agriculture department have announced that recent showers will mitigate the threat of whitefly infestation on the cotton crop. The initial spell of rain on the first day of August ended a month-long dry spell in the kharif season, providing much-needed relief to farmers.
According to the PAU’s observatory at the Bathinda-based regional research centre, 63.2 mm of rainfall was recorded on Thursday. This weather shift also caused a significant drop in temperature, with the maximum falling to 27.2 degrees Celsius, a decline of 10 degrees since July 31. The meteorological department predicts more rain later this week, which is seen as beneficial for both rice and cotton cultivation in this semi-arid region.
PAU principal entomologist Vijay Kumar reported that field inputs from farm scientists at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) indicate that the immediate threat of whitefly has been alleviated as the rain has washed away the adult pest population. However, Kumar emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, as future whitefly growth will depend on the upcoming climatic conditions.
“This kharif season, the Malwa belt experienced scant rainfall. The dry and humid conditions over the past month were conducive to whitefly population growth, posing a significant threat to the cotton crop,” said Kumar. “As cotton reaches the flowering stage next week, farmers must stay alert to handle potential pink bollworm attacks.”
Fazilka Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Sandeep Rinwa noted that while whitefly populations were detected in several villages, they remained below alarming levels and were managed with insecticides. “In the last week of June, pink bollworm was reported in a few areas, but it was controlled. Post-rainfall, farmers will add nutrients to their fields, promoting rapid plant growth and healthy crops,” Rinwa explained. Another survey will ensure that cotton sticks, often used as firewood and potential carriers of pink bollworm larvae, are removed from fields.
Vinay Pathania, assistant professor (plant protection) at Bathinda KVK, confirmed that no pest infestations had exceeded the economic threshold limit (ETL) in the district. Extension teams have advised cotton-growers to continue monitoring their fields for any signs of pests.
Rain Inundates Low-Lying Areas
Heavy rain since Thursday morning has led to waterlogging in the low-lying areas of Bathinda and surrounding districts. In Bathinda’s Prajapat Colony, a house roof collapsed, damaging household items. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time.
The Power House Road locality in Bathinda was severely affected, with water levels reaching up to 3 feet on the streets. Commercial and residential areas of Mall Road, Vir Colony, and Paramram Nagar also experienced significant waterlogging.
Read More :>Whitefly attack looms large in cotton belt in Malwa area
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