Hot and dry conditions bad for crops: PAU

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today said that persisting hot and dry weather could hit several crops, including sugarcane, cotton and sunflower, and advised farmers to take appropriate measures to protect them.     

According to cotton experts of the institute, "A yellow ring develops around the stem that is susceptible to bacteria and other disease pathogens which attack the plant. As a result which, the stem wilts and the plant dies."     

They said that hot temperature of June is bad for fruit crops also. "The tree trunks directly exposed to sun rays often cause sun-burn injuries to fruit plants."     

"This is happening due to the abnormal temperatures, which interfere with the pollination process. The farmers, therefore, are advised to create cool climate to some extent," they said.