Sure, here’s an article on Control of jassids in cotton(narma) crop.
Cotton (narma) is an important cash crop that is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. However, cotton farmers face several challenges, including the attack of various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yield and quality. One of the most devastating pests of cotton is the jassid or leafhopper. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, weakening it, and causing yellowing, curling, and even shedding of leaves. If not controlled timely and properly, jassids can lead to a considerable reduction in cotton yield and quality. In this article, we will discuss the control of jassids in cotton(narma) crop.
Prevention Measures:
Prevention is the first and foremost step in controlling jassids in cotton. Below are some prevention measures that can help in reducing jassid infestation.
1. Use Resistant Varieties: Plant cotton varieties that are resistant to jassids, which are less likely to attract them or support their growth.
2. Timing of sowing: Optimum sowing time affects the infestation and growth of Jassid. It is advisable to sow cotton in the time recommended by agricultural experts.
3. Proper Field Management: Proper field management practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and timely weed control can help in keeping the pest population under control.
4. Destruction of crop residues: Destroy crop residues from a previous season, as they can be a source of infections.
5. Monitoring: Regular field monitoring is necessary to detect jassid infestation early enough for effective control strategies.
Control Measures:
If jassids manage to infest cotton plants, various control methods can be used to reduce their population.
1. Cultural Control: Picking of adults and nymphs by hands is one of the cultural controls; this helps in reducing jassid populations.
2. Biological Control: Biological control methods such as the use of predator insects, parasitoids, or entomopathogenic fungi can help in suppressing jassid populations.
3. Chemical Control: Foliar insecticide spray is the most effective method in controlling a large jassid population. An insecticide such as imidacloprid, monocrotophos, or thiamethoxam is effective against Jassid but needs to be chosen following expert advice.
Conclusion
Effective control of jassids in cotton(narma) crop is necessary for an excellent yield. Timely management of the crops, monitoring, and use of preventive measures is necessary to control jassid infestation. Farmers are advised to use a combination of multiple control methods rather than relying on a single method. Chemical spray should be done with the advice of agricultural experts, who specify the accurate time and dose of spray. With proper care and intervention, cotton farmers can successfully control jassid infestation and achieve a good cotton yield.