MULTAN, Sept 15: Central Cotton Research Institute Director Islam Gill has warned cotton growers that yield loss is feared if timely measures are not taken to protect the crop in the current wet spell. Talking to APP here on Thursday, Mr Gill said the next fortnight was crucial for the crop and could cost the farmers heavily.

“If rainfall follows a spraying, it is vital to repeat the pesticide spray to ensure effectiveness, while in case of heavy showers after the cotton field has been irrigated, excessive water must be drained out to save the crop”, he advised.

He said farmers should consult Agriculture department officials and use dual pesticides which could combat both American bollworm and army worm. Likewise, the pesticide to check the spotted bollworm should also be effective for the pink bollworm.

Mr Gill urged growers to purchase pesticides only from licensed dealers.

After the rains, he said, farmers with small holdings could use hand sprayer while those with big land holdings should use ultra low volume (ULV) spray machines, as tractors could not perform well in wet fields.

No gap should be accorded to pests and insects to flourish, he emphasised.—APP