Ground frost likely at isolated places during next two nights

Ludhiana, January 10, 2017: According to an Agroadvisory Bulletin released on Tuesday by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, weather is likely to be dry. However, it has issued a warning stating that “cold wave to severe cold wave conditions likely at isolated places during the period and ground frost likely at isolated places during next two nights.”
Further, the Bulletin states that “maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 17-20 degree Celsius and 1-6 degree Celsius, respectively, and maximum relative humidity is expected to remain between 78-89% and minimum between 30-60% during these days. As there are chances of frost occurrence in coming 2-3 days, the farmers have been advised to provide light irrigation to sensitive crops like potato, sugarcane, peas, sarson, berseem and napier bajra.”

It further states that “the weather is becoming favourable for the yellow rust appearance in wheat. The yellow rust disease in wheat appears in small patches. As soon as yellow patches are observed, spray with Tilt/ Bumper/Shine/Stilt/Compass/Markzole @ 200 ml using 200 litres of water per acre on these patches to check its further spread. Repeat spray after 15 days, if need arises.”

If the infestation of aphid reaches the economic threshold level in sarson/ raya then spray the crop with 40 g Actara 25 WG or 400 ml of Rogor 30 EC/Ekalux 25 EC or 600 ml of Dursban 20 EC in 80-125 litres of water per acre. Rogor can also be used to control leaf miner.First cutting of early sown oats may be taken during this month to meet the fodder scarcity. Avoid taking 2 cuttings from oats if high incidence of weeds like poa is noticed. Lucerne cutting can be adjusted to provide fodder during the lean months.

To protect the potato from late blight, spray the crop with Indofil M-45/Mass M-45/Markzeb/Antracol/ Kavach @ 500- 700 g or Copper Oxychloride 50 WP/Mark copper @ 750- 1000 g/acre in 250- 350 litres of before the appearance of disease followed by 5 more sprays at 7 days interval. Under heavy disease incidence, give two sprays of Revus 250 SC @ 250 ml or Melody duo or Ridomil Gold or Curzate M-8 or Sectin 60 WG @ 700g or Equation Pro @ 200 ml per acre at 10 days interval.

The pea field should be kept free from weeds by giving two hoeings 4 and 8 weeks after germination, respectively. To control weeds in pea, give pre-emergence spray of Stomp 30 EC @ 1 litre/acre or Afalon @ 500 g/acre using 150-200 litres of water/acre. For the control of powdery mildew in pea, spray Karathane 40 EC @ 80 ml or Sulfex 80 WP @ 600 g in 200 litres of water per acre. To control pea leaf miner, spray 400 ml Rogor 30 EC (dimethoate) using 80-100 litres of water per acre at pest appearance. Repeat the spray after 15 days, if necessary.

To control aphids in spinach, spray 350 ml Malathion 50 EC in 80 litres of water per acre as and when pest in noticed. Harvest the crop 7 days after spray. The vegetable crops like chilli, capsicum and cucumber should be protected by providing light irrigation, in addition to this, the farmers who have transplanted the capsicum, cucumber and chilli in field should cover the crop under low plastic tunnels.

It is the right time for planning and layout for planting decidous plants such as pear, peach, plum, grapes etc. For the control of powdery mildew in ber, spray wettable sulphur @ 250 g or Karathane 40 EC @ 50 ml or Bayleton 25 WP @ 50 g in 100 litres of water per acre. Apply light and frequent irrigations to the newly planted evergreen fruit plants. Start picking of grape fruit during these days. The orchards of mango, litchi, papaya and banana should be protected by providing light irrigation and smoking during night. It is advised to provide shelter to the young fruit plants by making kullies with paddy straw, sarkanda and plastic sheets by keeping the south-west direction open for sunlight.

Apart from field crops, low temperature also adversely affects the dairy animals and poultry. The animal sheds should be kept closed from all sides and the floor should be kept dry. Protein rich feed should be given to the animals during noon hours. Maintain the temperature in the poultry shed by using brooders especially for young chicks.