Pink Bollworm noticed, PAU Experts alert cotton growers

Ludhiana: As per the survey conducted by the entomology experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Pink Bollworm (PBW) has been noticed in the early sown cotton crop and its attack is near Economic Threshold Level. 

The PAU experts have urged the farmers to monitor their cotton fields regularly for the incidence of PBW. They advised: “Use Sticka/Delta traps around the ginneries and in cotton fields, and place it at 15 cm above the crop canopy. Replace the lure after 15 days and use 1 trap/ha.” Monitoring of fruiting bodies damage, especially, the rosette flowers, should also be done in addition to the destruction by the green bolls. For this, divide the field into quarters and collect freshly fruiting bodies at random in each quarter. The fruiting bodies damaged by bollworms will have feeding holes or their larvae. If the damage exceeds 5 per cent, spray 100 g Proclaim 5 SG (emamectin benzoate) or 500 ml of Curacron 50 EC (profenophos) or 200 ml of Avaunt 14.5 SC (indoxacarb) or 250 ml of Gram Larvin 75 WP (thiodicarb) or 800 ml of Fosmite 50 EC (ethion) for its effective management. Spray these insecticides at an interval of 10 days, if required. In case of PBW attack, farmers are appealed to consult the experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres, Regional Research Stations of PAU in their respective districts or Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab.