As cotton crops enter their critical flowering and fruiting phase between early July and late September, Punjab Agricultural University’s Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC) has issued a crucial advisory to farmers. The number of bolls formed during this period directly impacts cotton seed yield, emphasising the importance of optimal water, nutrients, and pest management.
FASC experts caution that both overwatering and drought can negatively impact crop health. According to Navneet Kaur of FASC, heavy rainfall in August can result in excessive plant growth, particularly in heavy soils, which can deprive lower parts of the plant of sunlight and cause flower buds to drop. Furthermore, excess moisture can lead to the rotting of early bolls, emphasising the importance of proper drainage.
To boost yield, Amarjeet Singh Sandhu recommends four sprays of two per cent potassium nitrate solution per week from the start of flowering. Additionally, a one per cent magnesium sulphate solution can be applied every 15 days to prevent leaf reddening due to magnesium deficiency.
Pests and diseases pose significant threats. Whitefly, despite initial control measures, can rebound, necessitating repeated spraying. Pink bollworm attacks from within the bolls require vigilant monitoring and timely insecticide application. Farmers are advised to inspect fields twice weekly for signs of damage.
Viral leaf curl, transmitted by whiteflies, reduces flowers and fruiting bodies. Uprooting affected plants and managing whitefly populations can help control them. Bacterial blight, spread through seeds, causes water-soaked spots on leaves and bolls. Using disease-free seeds is essential. Leaf spot disease, caused by fungi, can be managed with fungicides in humid conditions.
By following these expert guidelines, farmers can safeguard their cotton crops and maximise yield and fibre quality.
