950827

Cotton growers

facing fertilizer,

water shortages

RECORDER REPORT

HYDERABAD: The crop monitoring cell of the Sindh Agriculture Department has collected latest position of cotton crop in the province through field teams of research and extension experts.

According to the field reports, in Hyderabad District, the cotton is putting up satisfactory growth and is approaching picking stage. The availability of nitrogenous fertilizer is falling short due to hoarding/black marketing. Pesticides are available but shortage of irrigation water is experienced especially tail ends of Rohri Canal. Jassids and Spotted Bolloworms have been observed in pockets.

So far 2 to 3 sprays have been made about 50 percent bolls have opened and Ist picking is countinuing. The size of Ist pick comes to about 6 to 6 mds: No plant diseases has so far been observed in the area. The growers are advised to make spray covers against Jassids and Bollworm.

In Mirpurkhas & Umerkot District, the cotton crop is in picking stage, the nitrogenous fertilizer and irrigation water falls short throughout the districts. The Jassids, White Flies and Bolloworms are at economic threshold level in pockets.

About 3 to 4 sprays have been made, 50 percent bolls have opened and 1 to 2 pickings have been made giving about 10 to 12 mds: per acre. The growers have been advised to spray against the pests in pockets.

In Nawabshah District the Cotton crop is havng satisfactory growth and in 50 percent boll formation stage, Jassids White flies and spotted Bollworms are approaching economic threshold level in pockets. Shortage of nitrogenous fertilizer is observed throughout the district, pesticides are adequate and the irrigation water has now reached in almost all canals. About 2 to 3 sprays have been made and 5 percent boll have opened. In many areas, the cotton crop has attained vigorous vegetative growth and sizeable height and the growers have been advised for topping the plants.

In Khairpur District, the cotton crop is in flowering to 50 percent boll formation stage and its growth is satisfactory. The irrigation falls short of in Hingorja, Samaji, Mehrab, Macher and Gadaja Minors.

White Flies, Jassids and Spotted Bollworms have reached the economic threshold level in pockets. About 1 to 2 sprays have so far been made. The cotton crop in some localaties is in grip of heavy Jassid infestation and the growers have been advised to make pesticidal cover.

A regular watch of the crop is needed for removal of flowers infested with pink bollworm larvae and their burrial in the soild, to avoid further infestation.