Expert Advisory Details

Experts' advice for proper care of sugarcane crop in April

Control the weeds from the crop. However, for the control of dila, post-emergence application of 2, 4-D sodium salt 80 % @ 800 g per acre in 200-225 litres of water is recommended. Do not sow moong/mash as inter crop, if sugarcane has been sprayed with herbicide(s). Irrigate the crop at 7-12 days interval for better growth of the crop. Apply 65 kg urea to ratoon crop. Apply paddy straw or rice husk or sugarcane trash @ 20-25 q/acre between the rows of sugarcane to reduce soil temperature and moisture loss. The incidence of black bug in this crop can be checked by spraying 350 ml of Dursban/Lethal/Massban/Goldban 20 EC in 400 litres of water per acre with manually operated sprayer. Direct the spray material into the leaf whorl. Mite feeds on lower side of leaves under fine web. The leaves turn red and later appear to be burnt. Baru (Sorghum halepens) is the alternative host plant of mite. So, destroy the weeds, growing near the sugarcane fields. Do not ratoon the crop if it is severely affected with red rot or wilt.