LAHORE, Sept 11: Cotton crop is vulnerable to American bollworm attack and farmers must take immediate preemptive measure in this regard.

The Cotton Crop Management Group sounded this warning to Punjab growers at a meeting on Thursday.

It said massive egg lying had been observed in Rahimyar Khan, Lodhran and Multan. The moth catches were also reported to be on increase in Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarghar and Bhakkar districts. “These moths are liable to lay eggs within next week, which necessitates preemptive action — close pest scouting and timely spray.” The meeting also reviewed the effectiveness and availability of the pesticides to control the worm and noted “with satisfaction” that sufficient quantity of pesticides was available for covering the entire area under the crop cultivation.