Pakistan
April 7, 2014

In a press release, on Thursday 3rd April 2014, issued by media liaison unit of Punjab agriculture department, Agriculture experts have suggested to growers that in order to meet cotton production target of 10.5 million bales from an estimated six million acre in Punjab in the year 2014-15, they ensure to complete sowing of early Bt cotton varieties within the ongoing month of April.

They should ensure per acre plant population at 175,00 to 23000 for sowing in April and adopt modern agronomic practices to achieve target. Though, experts suggested that growers should also sow non-Bt varieties in addition to Bt varieties so that enemy pests do not develop resistance against Bt varieties.

Non-Bt varieties cover 10-20 per cent of total cotton sown area. Bt cotton varieties have comparatively lower germination strength and growers should increase per acre seed quantity in case of lesser germination strength.

The Bt seed having 75 per cent or above germination strength should be sown at the rate of six kilogram per acre, eight kilogram per acre seed be sown in case of 60 pc germination strength,

10 kg per acre in case of 50 per cent strength.

Experts said farmers should sow registered Bt varieties in Punjab including MNH-886, VH-259, BH-178, CIM-599, CIM-602, FH-118, FH-142, IR Niab-824, IUB-222, Ali Akbar-703, Neelam-121, Tarzan-1, Saibaan-201, Sitara-11M, A-555, KZ-181, Tarzan-2,IR-3701, MG-6, Sitara-008, Ali Akbar-802, IR-1524, and GN hybrid-2085.

Experts urged farmers to use only registered varieties to get desired results. Bt varieties do not possess resistance against the sucking pests, experts said and gave an opinion to growers to sow Bt varieties after treating it with recommended pesticides to keep the crop safe against sucking pests for at least a month after sowing.

Experts added that growers should ensure balanced application of fertilizers including Phosphorous, Potash and Nitrogen at the time of sowing to get good production.

Bt crop need enhanced application of water and fertilizers and growers are advised to ensure availability of these implements to get good results.

Website: http://www.pabic.com.pk

Published: April 7, 2014