Experts issue advisory on early sowing of wheat

Wheat experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, have advised farmers to avoid early sowing of wheat as paddy fields were severely infested with pink stem borer.

According to a recent survey conducted by PAU scientists, infestation of paddy crop by pink stem borer in isolated fields of Sangrur and Barnala districts was noticed by the experts.

The attack of pink stem borer is generally observed in September-October on paddy crop. Its larva bores into the stem of young plant and kills the central shoot.

Therefore, the farmers were advised to remain vigilant and regularly monitor their paddy crop, especially, the fields where long duration varieties of paddy — Pusa 44, Peeli Pusa, etc. were grown, said the experts. The pink stem borer could be carried to next wheat crop in heavily infested paddy fields, they warned.

Pink stem borer attack is generally observed on 35 to 45 day-old wheat crop. Its larva bores into the stem of young plant and kills the central shoot causing ‘dead heart’. The infested tillers initially appear pale brown and ultimately dry up.

WHEAT:-

Temperature: Between 10-15°C (Sowing time) and 21-26°C (Ripening & Harvesting) with bright sunlight.
Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm.
Soil Type: Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy (Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the Deccan)
Top Wheat Producing States: Uttar Pradesh > Punjab > Madhya Pradesh > Haryana > Rajasthan.
India is the second largest producer after China.
This is the second most important cereal crop and the main food crop, in north and north-western India.
Success of Green Revolution contributed to the growth of Rabi crops especially wheat.
Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana are few government initiatives to support wheat cultivation.