Punjab Agriculture Department has warned wheat growers to ensure correct application of urea on wheat, as its higher use will increase danger for its susceptibility to aphid (Taila). There is also a risk of falling of crop due to increase in its height, said a spokesman of the Agriculture Information Punjab here on Saturday.
It ultimately results in reduction of per acre yield. The spokesman said that if crop in those areas, where it was sown late, looks yellowish due to not using urea fertilisers in prescribed quantity, then farmers should spray solution of two to two and half percent of urea on the crop.
A lot of care is needed to prepare solution of urea fertiliser, as its excess may cause damage to the crop. They said that to prepare a two-percent urea liquid, farmers should use two kilogram of urea in 100 litres of water and spray it on crops.
It may be mentioned here that the agriculture department launched weed control campaign from January 1 and shifted the focus of activities of the extension service towards this very important task, as weeds can reduce yield by 42pc, said a letter by the Director General (Extension) Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali to all district officers.
The letter stated that weeds compete with wheat plants for light, water, and minerals. Weeds can inhibit wheat growth through release of allelopathic chemicals that are toxic to wheat plants. Weeds or weed seeds contaminate harvested wheat grain and can reduce its quality. Weeds can interfere in harvesting and can raise the moisture content of the harvested grains, leading to damage from heat and pests in storage.