Agri Dept Issues Recommendations to Control Rice Planthopper
Punjab Agriculture Department has issued recommendations for farmers to control rice planthopper, a small but highly damaging pest that attacks rice crops. According to a department spokesman, the pest sucks sap from the lower parts of rice plants, particularly the stems. After the lower portion of the crop starts drying up, it moves to the upper leaves and panicles.
The infestation usually begins in patches across a field, with both adult insects and nymphs feeding on the sap of leaves and stems. The spokesman noted that the pest generally attacks rice crops in Punjab during the second week of September, affecting thick-stemmed varieties more severely.
Here are the recommendations for farmers:
- Weed Control: Eliminate weeds growing inside and around rice fields as these serve as breeding grounds for the pest.
- Manual Removal: Collect and destroy insects using hand nets.
- Light Traps: Install light traps at night to attract and eliminate adult pests.
- Water Management: Avoid keeping standing water in fields continuously; drain fields immediately if an infestation occurs.
- Field Conditions: Avoid cultivating rice in shaded areas, refrain from excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers, and maintain the recommended plant population density.
- Chemical Control: Consult local Agriculture Department experts before using pesticides and strictly adhere to the prescribed pre-harvest interval for safe harvesting.
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Related Topics:
- Punjab
- Water
- Agriculture
- September