Yamunanagar: Sugarcane crops in several villages of Yamunanagar district have been found affected by pokkah boeng disease, top borer, and sap-sucking insects.
The issue came to light during a recent inspection conducted by agricultural scientists from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s Regional Research Centre, Uchani (Karnal), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Damla (Yamunanagar). The surveyed areas fall under the command region of Saraswati Sugar Mills.
The team of experts included Dr Maha Singh, Dr Aradhana, Dr Harbinder Singh, Dr Naveen Kumar, and Dr Vijeta Gupta. Their inspection covered villages such as Kartarpur, Bakana, Dholi, Mohri, and Alahar.
Dr Sandeep Rawal, Coordinator at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, shared that the varieties CO-0118 and CO-0238 showed the highest levels of pokkah boeng infection, reported The Tribune.
He explained that although top borer was also found in variety CO-0238, the infestation was limited to 5%, which is below the danger level. “In this case, there is no need to use any chemicals. Farmers should remove and destroy the affected plants,” he said.
For treating pokkah boeng, farmers have been advised to use a spray of either 0.2% carbendazim or 0.1% peroconazole. To manage sap-sucking pests, 600 ml of dimethoate (Rogor) 30 EC should be used per acre, with 300 to 400 litres of water to ensure proper application.
Dr Rawal also suggested a biological method to control the terai borer. “Farmers should release one tricho card per acre, four times between August and September. These can be collected from the Uchani Regional Research Centre,” he added.
Local farmers also joined the inspection and discussions.
