Whitfly (Bemisia tabaci) is the most important sucking insect of BT cotton. During the previous years, so severe attack of this notorious insect was faced that most of the farmers have decided not to grow cotton. For the sake of national interest, government of Punjab is trying to revive this crop. In this video, we have advised those farmers to get rid of whitefly who could not manage it properly well in time. And up till now whose cotton crop has turned blackish due to the severe attack.
Cotton is an important crop of Pakistan and it has been playing very vital role in our economy. In 1991, Pakistan was the 2nd largest cotton producer after USA. During the 1st and 2nd decade of 20th century, virus, pest problems, change in sowing times of BT varieties, lack of durable varieties, lack of interest of Sugar mafia in cotton, middle-man based marketing system and climatic factors gradually lead this crop to utter destruction up till 2020. This year, most of cotton growers are not willing to cultivate this crop due to the previous damages of this crop for several consecutive years.
Nevertheless, some of the bold and advanced farmers are still going to cultivate cotton according to the recommendations of Punjab Agriculture Department. In this connection, we have highlighted main points of its production technology in the cotton zone. Most of the land is still occupied and is mainly under the cultivation of wheat crop. A small fraction of acreage is available for sowing of cotton during the month of March this year.
In this video, feasibility of cotton cultivation has been highlighted. Some factors that have badly affected the cotton crop in previous few years have also been highlighted. Cotton crop is the backbone of the Textile industry in Pakistan. Cotton production can be increased by adopting modern and advanced strategy.
High temperature and dry season results into aggravated shedding of cotton flowers and bolls. In this video, we have not only explained the philosophy of Flower and Boll Shedding in Cotton but also suggested the remedial measures. Use of additional inputs, balanced use of nutrients, pest management, spray of amino acids and micronutrients has been suggested to overcome the excessive fruit and flower shedding in cotton.
Most of cotton crop is of two to three months of age at this stage. Boll formation has initiated properly. Insect attack is relatively lesser but high temperature has retarded the growth rate of cotton. In this video, we have advised a schedule of fertilizers including micro nutrients to maximize the boll formation to facilitate boll opening in cotton that will lead to higher production.
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