RARS Palem Scientists  conducted field visits in Kodanpuram and Vemula villages of Yerravalli

Jogulamba Gadwal District, September 11, 2026: Dr. P. Archana, Coordinator, TRVK, Jogulamba Gadwal, along with RARS Palem Scientists Mr. A. Sriram and Ms. M. Mamatha, conducted field visits in Kodanpuram and Vemula villages of Yerravalli mandal and Thakkashila and Marumungala villages of Undavelli mandal. The visits were conducted along with the respective MAOs and AEOs. Farmers also participated in the field-level crop assessment.

During the visits, cotton, chilli, redgram, maize and onion crops were inspected. In cotton, sucking pest complex and moisture stress were observed. In chilli, upward curling of leaves due to thrips infestation was noticed. In redgram, sterility mosaic disease and Helicoverpa infestation were observed. In some maize fields, severe crop damage due to lack of irrigation during the flowering stage was noticed.

Recommendations – Cotton

Farmers were advised to regularly monitor sucking pests and provide irrigation where moisture stress is severe. When pest incidence is high, Acetamiprid 20% SP @ 40 g/acre or Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 40 g/acre may be used as per recommendation. Excess application of nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided.

Recommendations – Chilli

Farmers were advised to install blue sticky traps for monitoring thrips. When required, Spinetoram 11.7% SC @ 160 ml/acre or Spinosad 45% SC @ 75 ml/acre may be used as recommended. Severely virus-affected plants should be removed and destroyed.

Recommendations – Redgram

Plants affected with sterility mosaic disease should be identified and immediately removed and destroyed. Management of the eriophyid mite should be taken up with recommended acaricides. For Helicoverpa, farmers were advised to install pheromone traps and bird perches and, when infestation is high, use Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 80 g/acre or Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 60 ml/acre as recommended.

Recommendations – Maize

In fields where the crop is still recoverable, irrigation should be provided immediately based on water availability. Severely damaged crops should be assessed before making further investments. Farmers were advised to ensure adequate moisture particularly during the flowering and grain-filling stages.

Recommendations – Onion

Farmers were advised to maintain optimum soil moisture and regularly monitor for thrips and diseases, taking need-based plant protection measures. The scientists advised farmers to regularly monitor their crops, follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and use recommended pesticides only when necessary and according to pest incidence. Unnecessary pesticide applications and excessive use of fertilizers should be avoided.