Serious threat to pulse crops from diseases and insects in

23-Jul-2024 12:06 PM

Saskatoon. In Saskatchewan, Canada's most important agricultural producing province, there is a possibility of a serious threat to pulse crops from the infestation of an insect called P Aphids. Earlier this insect was attacking Alfa Alfa grass but now it is affecting various pulse crops as well.

It is known that Saskatchewan is the most important producer and exporter of lentils and peas in Canada.

Although this time the weather and rainfall conditions are relatively better there, due to which an increase in the production of pulses is expected, but if a deadly outbreak of insects and diseases continues, then the crop may suffer a lot.

Its outbreak is also being seen in some parts of America. According to agricultural experts, the infestation of P Aphids insect started in mid-June itself, which has now reached the growing pulse crops.

If it is not controlled as soon as possible, then a lot of damage may be suffered because the population of this insect spreads very fast.

This insect is so deadly that once it enters the pulse plant, it eats its various parts. Its infestation spreads rapidly on crops like peas, lentils, faba beans, chickpeas and dry beans.

In the initial stage, this insect damages the lentil and pea crops and then attacks other pulses. 

Usually, the infestation of C aphids disease is either negligible or absent during winter in Canada, but after that, it reaches Canada from the Midwest region of America and then damages the pulse crops.

In Saskatchewan, the lentil and pea crops have reached a very developed stage and from next month, preparation for harvesting of the early sown crop is going to start in some areas.

In such a situation, farmers are likely to suffer huge losses due to crop damage. The Agriculture Department is trying to control this insect.