Wheat Sixth to seventh week practices

Irrigation should be given at this stage because of tillering stage starts.

Aphid (Opalsiphum maidis)

Identification: Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pearl-shaped insects that have a pair of cornicles (wax-secreting tubes) projecting out from the fifth or sixth abdominal segment. Aphids are yellowish green, grey green or olive green with a white waxy bloom covering the body.

Nature of Damage

The nymphs and adults suck the sap from plants, particularly from their ears. They appear on young leaves or ears in large numbers during the cold and cloudy weather. 

Management of Aphid

Cultural Control: 

• The crop sown before 20^th october escape the damage. Apply recommended dose of fertilizers.

Mechanical Control: 

• Destroy the affected parts along with aphid population in the initial stage.

Biological Control:

• Releases of bio agent Chrysoperla carnea @ 50,000/ha two times at weekly interval when aphid infestation is noticed.

Chemical Control: 

• Foliar spray with Imidacloprid 17.8% @ 0.25 ml/lit of water OR Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1 ml/lit of water.

Black or Stem Rust

Symptoms: 

Symptoms are produced on almost all aerial parts of the wheat plant but are most common on stem, leaf sheaths and upper and lower leaf surfaces. Uredial pustules (or sori) are oval to spindle shaped and dark reddish brown (rust) in color. The pustules are dusty in appearance due to the vast number of spores produced. Spores are readily released when touched.

Management of Black Rust

Cultural Control: 

Avoid late sowing as late sown crop is more exposed to rust damage. Balance application of nitrogenous fertilizers lesser the occurrence. 

Chemical Control: 

• Spray with Plantvax 20 EC @ 2 ml/lit of water followed by two sprays with the Zineb or Mencozeb 75 WP @ 2 g/lit of water adding 0.1 % Sandovit (spreader-sticker) for better results. 
• Give first spray when rust pustules are seen in last week of January or first week of February. 
• Give second spray 10 days after the first spray. Give third and fourth sprays at an interval of 14 days if required.