Cotton growers in Punjab were today cautioned against Jassid pest attack and were asked to stay alert and monitor their crop regularly.
Incidence of Jassid has been noticed in some fields by the entomologists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
Extensive surveys for whitefly and Jassid are being conducted by PAU and State Department of Agriculture in the cotton belt of Punjab, said P K Chhuneja, Head, Department of Entomology, PAU.
He said that the prevailing hot and humid weather is favourable for Jassid's multiplication.
Jassid pest remains active during July to mid-August. Both nymphs and adults of Jassid suck the sap from leaves, resulting in yellowing and curling of leaves along the margins, he said.
Later, affected leaves turn redddish brown, he said.
Chhuneja urged farmers to stay vigilant and undertake need-based spray of insecticides.
"There is no need to be panicky as this pest generally does not cause serious damage to the crop and can be easily controlled," he said.
Cotton is among major crops sown in Punjab with about 4 lakh hectares under its cultivation.
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