Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in region

Time of India

a day ago

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Bathinda: The South Asia Biotechnology Centre, a scientific organisation, has revealed an infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as 'hara tela', on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The impact is notable in Mansa, Bathinda, and Fazilka in Punjab, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, and Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development centre at Sirsa.
The field team, led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar, and KS Bhardwaj, reported infestation levels of 12-15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the Economic Threshold Level (ETL).
The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system.
For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of jassid attack. The outbreak is attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above-average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity, and cloud cover, all of which created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation.
Fields were graded 3 to 4 based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage.
"The leafhopper infestation emerged at a time when the overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period," stated Bhagirath Choudhary, director of the South Asia Biotechnology Centre's High-Tech R&D Station, Sirsa.
Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), commonly referred to as the Indian cotton jassid or 'hara tela', is a season-long sucking pest of cotton. Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex, readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves, hence referred to as 'leafhoppers'. The population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August.
Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton.
Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from the cotton tissue and inject toxins, causing the 'hopper burn' symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms, and in extreme situations, result in reduced photosynthetic activity, browning, and drying of leaves, which can considerably hamper the productivity of the cotton, leading to yield losses of up to 30% if unmanaged.
Leafhopper ≥5 plants showing damage grade II/III/IV, grade II shows minor crinkling, curling, and yellowing in lower leaves, grade III is observed with leaf crinkling, curling, and crinkling across the plant; stunted growth, grade IV with severe bronzing, crinkling, curling, and drying of leaves. If ≥5 plants per 20 sampled show grade II or above damage, immediate action is necessary, said Research Scientist Deepak Jakhar.
However, PAU Scientist Paramjit Singh said there is no alarming situation as the leafhopper is only slightly above ETL.
The survey team noted that failure to control this green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses.
SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids), such as regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification, and assessing infestation severity.
It has been recommended to use neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations. Spray during early morning or late evening when the wind is calm. Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, as they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. MSID:: 123021342 413 |