Wheat crop getting yellowish: Punjab Agricultural University

Problems for wheat growers in Punjab might rise further with the crop getting yellowish, which could further cause dip in overall yield.
Farm scientists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today said as per latest survey, it has been observed that wheat is showing general yellowing signs in many fields.
The yellowing is altogether different from fungal disease -- yellow rust which had already struck several villages in Punjab.
"We have observed at some places that wheat crop is getting yellowish which may be because of accumulation of water in fields," PAU Director Research S S Gosal said, adding that growers should drain out excess water from fields as early as possible as it could also damage crop.

Experts further said crop yellowing could also happen due to foggy weather or deficiency of certain nutrients.
PAU Plant Pathology Head P P Singh said crop yellowing should not be confused with yellow rust attack, while emphasising on extra care to be taken to save crop.

"Wheat growers are confusing this general yellowing with yellow rust of wheat and applying the fungicides," he said.
Singh advised farmers to monitor their crops and identify yellow rust wherein yellow powdery mass appears on leaves when it is touched with fingers.
Singh further disclosed that during last few days, the infection of yellow rust has been observed in certain fields in villages of districts of Ropar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur and Fatehgarh Sahib.

The weather is favourable for infection and spread of yellow rust, he said.