In many parts of the country, the cold is intensifying these days. Frost is occurring in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and others. Along with the cold wave, there is also a risk of frost affecting crops during this time. With the changing cold weather, there is an increased concern about diseases and pests affecting crops like potatoes, tomatoes, mustard, peas, and both Rabi and Kharif crops. The cold wave, along with chilly winds, enhances the possibility of diseases and pests affecting crops such as sesame and linseed. The impact of frost and cold waves directly affects the productivity of crops and fruit-bearing trees. In such situations, farmers can prevent losses by keeping a few things in mind. The effect of frost causes the leaves and flowers of plants to wither, adversely affecting the crops. Some crops cannot withstand extreme temperatures or frost, posing a risk of damage. Potatoes, mustard, coriander, chili, and eggplant are the crops most vulnerable to damage due to cold, resulting in the darkening of vegetable plants.However, farmers can take measures to protect their crops from the damage caused by cold weather. If proper care is not taken during the frost period, the fruits or flowers that come later can be affected. While the cold wave in the form of chilly winds doesn't cause harm, if the wind stops, frost settles which can be more detrimental to crops. Agricultural experts are providing useful advice to farmers these days. By following their recommendations, farmers can effectively shield their crops from the impact of cold weather.
If we talk about pulse crops, then bacterial blight disease, Ukhatha disease, pod borer insects would be laying eggs in gram, peas and lentils, if we talk about mustard, there would be aphids and white flies, the outbreak of thrips would increase rapidly in nursery plants and Cover vegetable crops with sacks, polythene or straw.
More yield in less time : Farmers can earn more profits by cultivating peas. Fresh green peas are much liked in this winter season. Farmers can also earn huge profits by cultivating peas because the demand for peas remains throughout the year. There is a lot of curiosity about this among farmers also. It gives more yield in less time. Along with this, it is also helpful in increasing the fertility of the field. A good variety of pea to grow is PB-89 and another one is Arkel.
How to identify blight disease : In this cold season, there is a danger of pests and other diseases affecting the crops. In this season, crops suffer a lot due to blight. Due to the blight disease which occurs from the end of December to the end of January, the edges and tips of the leaves start getting scorched. Due to this the entire crop starts getting ruined. Crops like potato and tomato are most at risk from wilt disease.
Ensure Irrigation in Case of Need : Considering the possibility of frost, it is advisable to irrigate the fields when needed. This helps in maintaining the soil temperature. For crops such as mustard, wheat, rice, potatoes, and peas, sulfuric acid (sulfuric acid) application increases chemical activity, providing protection against frost and supplying the plant with essential iron elements. To protect crops, it is recommended to plant air-blocking trees such as mulberry, shisham, babul, khair, and jamun on field borders, which shield the crops from frost and cold waves. Avoid plowing or tilling the soil during frosty days, as it lowers the soil temperature. Daily monitoring of the crops is crucial to save the crop. If any disease is observed on the leaves, promptly uproot and bury them in the ground. Excessive moisture in the field, especially in vegetable crops, can lead to damage, and various diseases may occur. If there is fog, clouds, or a possibility of rain, exercise caution even with the use of pesticides. If flowers have appeared in the crop, take precautions against any chemical pesticides.
Protection of Crops from Downy Mildew : To safeguard crops from downy mildew, it is recommended to spray neem oil on them. Additionally, the application of wood ash can also be beneficial. Chemicals can be employed for preventing crops from downy mildew. Mix 30% dimethoate, 25% methyl, and 20% chlorpyrifos in 750 liters of water. Spray the fields at the rate of per hectare. Continuous monitoring is essential for protecting potatoes and tomatoes from downy mildew. In case symptoms of downy mildew appear, spray carbendazim at the rate of 1.0 gram per liter of water or dithane M-45 at the rate of 2.0 grams per liter of water. It is crucial to remain vigilant against thrips attacks on onion crops sown during this season. For control of purple blotch disease in onions, spray dithane M-45 at the rate of 3 grams per liter of water, mixed with any adhesive like Teepol, etc. (1 gram per liter of solution) when symptoms of the disease are observed. If higher yields of peas are desired, spray a solution of 2% urea on the crop. To prevent the impact of cold waves and frost, use windbreaks to block the air along the borders of the fields. This can protect the crops from both frost and cold waves. In this cold weather, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnips can be harvested.
Protection of Crops from Frost : When there is a possibility of frost, farmers are advised not to irrigate crops during the second and third shifts of the night. In case of an impending frost, prepare a solution of 80% water-soluble sulphur (W.P.) at a rate of two to two and a half grams per liter of water. Mix this solution with one and a half to two hundred liters of water and spray it over the crops at the rate of per acre. This can help prevent damage from frost to a considerable extent, especially when the temperature increases by two to two and a half degrees Celsius. Ensure to maintain a water quantity of one and a half to two hundred liters per acre in each situation. Nurseries are most vulnerable to frost, so it is advisable to cover the seedlings in the nursery with plastic sheets during the night to protect them. For those farmers who have planted fruit-bearing saplings in their fields for 1 to 2 years, protect them by covering with straw, grass, or using plastic. Due to the increased cold from December to February, animals and young ones should also be tied inside homes during the night and covered with blankets, sacks, or mats to protect them from the cold.
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