950803

Damage thru

Leaf Curl

Virus nominal

in Punjab

RECORDER REPORT

KARACH: Only nominal incidence of cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) has been reported in Punjab, and it poses no threat to the new crop.

According to a survey conducted by the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), on an average five to seven percent of the crop is Punjab was affected by the virus till July 31 this year and it did not spread in epidemic form.

Of the 21 cotton producing districts surveyed in Punjab, five reported no sign of CLCV while in the remaining 16 districts the overall percentage was not more than five to seven. The districts found clear of virus attack included Rajanpur, Kasur, Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar, which also reported increase in the area brought under cultivation this season. In Khushab, Kasur and Mianwali the increase in cultivated area is 21, 18 and 11 percent respectively.

The survey report also revealed that the overall area sown this season was three percent higher than the target fixed by the government. However, Muzzafargarh reported a decline in area as compared to the target fixed by the government this season. The area sown this season was 40,225 acres as compared to a target of 400,280 acres in the district.

Talking to Business Recorder, Vice-President of PCCC, Dr Barkat Soomro, said that there are around 18,000 to 20,000 plants of cotton per acre and presence of five to seven percent CLCV meant no danger to the crop. "Provided the monsoon rains did not inflict damage on the crop, which was still being assessed, Pakistan may produce a good cotton crop this season," he said.

However, he refrained from giving any estimate of the size of the crop, saying that it was too early at this stage. He further said that there was no danger of spread of CLCV, as the carrier of the desease (white fly) disappears after rains and in humid weather. Hot and dry weather encourages the attack of white fly which also carries CLCV with it, he added.