Advisory issued to control pink bollworm

The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued an off-season management strategy to control pink bollworm, one of the most destructive pests affecting cotton yield and fibre quality.

A department spokesperson said cotton is a vital crop, with nearly 70% of national production originating from Punjab. Pink bollworm causes severe damage to both output and quality, making off-season control measures crucial.

Farmers have been advised to properly manage cotton sticks by storing them in small bundles with stubble ends facing downward to expose pupae to sunlight. Cotton waste at ginning factories and larvae hidden in twin seeds must also be destroyed.

Implementation of these measures will significantly reduce infestation in the upcoming cotton season.