Pink stem borer set to disappear in severe winters, farmers need not panic: PAU
In wake of the incidence of pink stem borer appearing in wheat fields in Punjab, the extension and entomologist experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have called upon the farmers of the state not to panic as the disease was set to disappear with the arrival of severe winter conditions.
City Air News
Nov 28, 2024 02:25
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Ludhiana, November 28, 2024: In wake of the incidence of pink stem borer appearing in wheat fields in Punjab, the extension and entomologist experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have called upon the farmers of the state not to panic as the disease was set to disappear with the arrival of severe winter conditions.
Divulging the details of the surveillance conducted by the PAU teams in the districts of Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Bhatinda, Sangrur and Patiala, Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, disclosed that the experts observed minor incidence of pink stem borer in some fields in districts Sangrur and Mansa. He said, “The growth and development of this pest is expected to decline with the onset of severe winter conditions. At the same time, minor attack of pink stem borer will be compensated by tillering in wheat crop.” He advised the farmers to irrigate the wheat fields during day time which resulted in predation of pink stem borer larvae by the birds. The farmers need not panic but remain vigilant and regularly observe their wheat fields, he urged. Dr Bhullar also suggested using recommended integrated insect-pest management practices for the management of pink stem borer. Farmers can contact the office of the State Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Farm Advisory Service Centre of their districts for the effective pest management, he advised.
The Head, Department of Entomology Dr Manmeet Brar Bhullar informed that pink stem borer mostly attacked early sown wheat crop. The larvae of pink stem borer, bored into the stem of the young plant, killing the central shoot causing ‘dead heart,’ she said. The infested tillers first looked pale brown and ultimately dried up, she added. Pink stem borer was originally a pest of rice, but now it appeared on wheat crop as well, she cautioned. Generally, it caused damage to paddy/basmati and late sown maize crops in the months of September-October which may be carried over to the wheat crop, she observed.
