Ludhiana, 29 January 2016:— The present weather conditions are highly favourable for spread and development of yellow rust. Disclosing this Dr. P.S.Sekhon, Head, Department of Plant Pathology said that initial infection foci of yellow rust have already been observed in Ropar (Anandpur Sahib, Noorpur Bedi, Chamkaur Sahib blocks), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Hoshiarpur (Mahilpur, Garhshankar, Dasuya, Bhunga blocks) and at few locations in SBS Nagar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.
Dr. Sekhon said that occurrence of rain and high velocity winds on 12th January might have helped in the spread of yellow rust to other places in Punjab and the symptoms of which are expected to be visible in farmer’s fields during the current week. He further said that initial reports of occurrence of this disease at few locations in Patiala, Ludhiana and Sangrur has also been recieved.
Since the prevailing weather conditions are favourable for this disease, more reports regarding occurrence of yellow rust from other places can come in future as well. Dr. Sekhon advised the farmers to monitor the wheat crop regularly and in case symptoms of the disease are noticed in the field, then spray the crop with any one of the recommended fungicide like Tilt or Shine or Stilt or Compass or Markzole or Bumper so as to prevent its further spread.
He cautioned the farmers that spray should be done on clear sunny days and in the event of rain after spray, it should be repeated. The spray should be done with cone type nozzle using recommended volume of water.
