Farmers using 'faulty methods' to control pests in paddy

Ludhiana, Jul 28 (UNI) Farmers in Punjab are using 'faulty methods' in checking the incidence of stem borer and leaf folder in paddy, that has been reported in different parts of the border state.

According to reports at Punjab Agricultural University's (PAUs) Plant Clinic here the farmers are using pesticides granules such as Padan, Caldan, Dursban and Fipronil indiscriminately to check the incidence of stem borer and leaf folder.

According to PAUs Director of Extension Education, N S Malhi, the University had not recommended granules pesticides on paddy. Paddy fields with an economic threshold level (ETL) of 5 per cent affected plants should be sprayed with the recommended pesticides.

For leaf folder, the ETL is 10 per cent, Dr Malhi said while advising farmers to follow only recommended practices for the control of these pests.

Dr Malhi further pointed out that it had come to the notice of the university scientists that farmers in some areas are using chlorpyriphos insecticide mixed in sand. This cannot offer control against the pest, he added.

For the control of pests, sprays prove effective and the farmers should not waste their resources on unrecommended practices, he added.

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