shruti lashkari, Sat July 19,
Paramilt virus threat to cotton crop! Can cause heavy damage in 72 hours, experts warn
Khargone (Madhya Pradesh): Khargone, the leading district in the country in terms of cotton production, is facing a new challenge these days. Due to intermittent rains and then sudden strong sunlight, the cotton crop is under threat of a problem called Paramilt virus. Agricultural scientists say that this disease with virus-like symptoms makes the cotton plants wilt very quickly and if not treated on time, it can destroy the entire crop within 72 hours.
What is Paramilt virus?
According to Dr. Rajeev Singh, a senior scientist posted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Khargone, Paramilt virus is not actually a traditional virus, but it is a physiological disorder. This problem arises when the plants do not get enough water and nutrition, especially when the weather changes suddenly - like continuous rain followed by strong sunlight or long drought and then sudden rain.
In this situation, many plants in the fields are seen wilting together, which can cause huge losses to the farmers.
What are the symptoms?
* The symptoms of paramilt are as follows:
* Sudden wilting of leaves
* Upper branches bending or drying up
* The color of the plants turns yellow or brown
* Some plants fall on the ground, as if they have been cut
Timely treatment is very important: Golden opportunity of 72 hours
Dr. Singh advises that if there are signs of these symptoms, it is mandatory to start treatment within 72 hours.
For treatment:
* Dissolve 10 mg cobalt chlorite + 20 grams urea in one liter of water and irrigate the roots of the plants.
* This treatment reactivates the functioning of the roots of the plants, so that the plants can absorb water and nutrition.
If cobalt chlorite is not available, use alternatives
If cobalt chlorite is not available in the market:
* Mix 1 gram of carbendazim + 20 grams of urea in one liter of water and apply it on the roots
OR
* Mix 2.5 grams of copper oxychloride + 20 grams of urea in one liter of water and spray it on the crop
* Note: Treatment or spraying must be done within 72 hours to get effective results.