Presently, temperature in the eastern states is rising abruptly (mean day temp.around 330c) while we need some more cool days. This increasing temperature and consequent changes in climate adversely affect plant growth and development, resulting in catastrophic loss of many rabi crops especially wheat productivity. The Director, ICARRCER, Patna is very much worried with this prevailing climatic situation in the month of February and he explained that for each degree rise in temperature, wheat production may to reduce by 6-10%. Further, temperature is expected to rise on higher side in coming days too. This is the third year in a row that this phenomenon is being witnessed. For the past 4-5 days, the temperature in all the eastern states has been reported 3-4 degrees above the normal.This year, plant stand and growth of wheat crop is satisfactory but for getting optimum yield of wheat and other rabi crops, farmers have to keep a careful watch on their crops and there is need to adopt some effective strategies to minimize the effect of rising temperature in cool season crops. He emphasized that application of 0.2 % Potassium orthophosphate (KH2PO4) or 0.2 percent spray of Potassium nitrate (KNO3) or both at jointing and heading stage as foliar spray after anthesis will increase heat tolerance in wheat and will be helpful in obtaining an optimum yield level of 35-40 q/ha. Secondarily, light irrigations during noon time when wind is calm, should be applied to all cool season crops to minimize the yield losses. He further added that there is chance of occurrence of brown rust due to abrupt rise in temperature, to control the brown rust in wheat, apply Propiconazole 25EC in 200 liters of water at 15 days interval. Application of Thiophanate Methyl 70 % WP @ 2.0-2.5g./litre of water as spray in lentil and chickpea are found very much effective in controlling root rot and wilt diseases due to rise in temp. He also suggested to consult Agril experts, KVKs, Agril. Universities and others in case farmers face any difficulty related to crop performance.
Read more: https://icarrcer.icar.gov.in/storage/advisory.pdf
Original link: https://icarrcer.icar.gov.in/
