The Agriculture Department has issued important guidelines for farmers to ensure better crop care and effective pest-disease management of soybean during the Kharif season. This year, the district has set a cultivation target of 5.13 lakh hectares under Kharif crops, of which 5.01 lakh hectares are under soybean. At present, the crop is 50–55 days old and is reported to be in a satisfactory condition. So far, the district has received 536.10 mm of rainfall.
Farmers have been advised to monitor their fields regularly. By shaking 3–4 plants, they can detect pest infestation. If 3–4 larvae are found per square meter, immediate spraying of recommended insecticides is necessary.
In case of Girdle Beetle (Ring Cutter) attack, affected plants should be uprooted and removed from the field.
For leaf-eating caterpillars (such as semilooper, tobacco caterpillar, or pod borer) and sap-sucking pests (like whitefly, jassid, or stem borer), the prescribed pesticides should be sprayed.
To prevent whitefly infestation, farmers should install 20–25 yellow traps across the field.
Soybean crops are vulnerable to major diseases such as Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight, Anthracnose, and Yellow Mosaic Virus.
Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight: On appearance of symptoms, spray pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole.
Anthracnose: At the early stage, apply tebuconazole, tebuconazole + sulfur, or carbendazim + mancozeb.
Yellow Mosaic Virus: Uproot and destroy infected plants. To control whitefly/aphid vectors, spray the recommended insecticides.
Waterlogging for more than three days is harmful for soybean, hence proper drainage must be ensured.
Install bird perches in fields to encourage birds that naturally control harmful insects.
Always purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides from authorized shops and collect a proper bill.
Agriculture Department officials and field staff are continuously visiting villages to guide farmers on pest and disease management. With timely monitoring and the right treatment, farmers can protect their soybean crops and achieve higher yields.
Read More- soybean cultivation
