Sugarcane growers should adopt traditional measures and avoid chemical sprays to save their crop from the attack of pests like the termite or white ant that damage both the seed and the root after germination. These pests bore into the ground, eat up the seed buds and the flesh of the young plant, making it hollow from within, according to a release issued by media liaison unit (MLU) of Punjab Agriculture department on Friday.
Experts suggested that growers should apply granulated pesticides before the plant reaches the height of six feet, but warned against application of spray. They advised application of natural fertilisers made from animal waste and in-time watering to avert the termite threat. Commenting on the black bug, they said this pest turns the crop colour yellow, and red blots appear on the leaf. This threat should also be tackled by in-time supply of water so the plant is not left in stress due to lack of moisture.
Officials urged farmers to obtain crop-friendly cards from the Agriculture department or sugar mill laboratories, which should be installed from the very beginning to combat the attack of the 'Gordaspuri borer'. Horsefly is another sucking pest that leaves black fungus on the crop and weakens it. Farmers were advised to catch and remove the fly with the help of nets. If parasite pests are in excess, farmers should cut the affected leaf in six-inch length and bury it, said the experts.