Cotton growers can control Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) through controlling white fly and usage of zinc sulphate and boric acid, said a spokesman of the Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) here on Thursday. In an advisory issued to the cotton growers, the spokesman said that host plants and weeds are the main cause of growth of white fly which later lead to attack of CLCV on cotton crop.
He said that the growers should ensure eradication of the weeds and controlling alternative and host plants so as to discourage white fly to avoid spread of virus in cotton fields. The spokesman said that agricultural experts recommend usage of biological controls besides insect growth regulators to destroy white fly and also recommend encouraging friendly pests. Experts also suggest that same pesticide should not be used for controlling white fly. Experts also suggested spraying of zing sulphate and boric acid and other such sprays to reduce virus attack chances and better production, the spokesman concluded.