By Geoffrey Omara
Apac
Scientists have developed new cotton varieties to tame jassids, the notorious cotton pest which has been causing havoc in 35 cotton growing districts in Uganda.
Dr George Epieru, an insect expert at National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute in Soroti District says the new cotton varieties have a hairy surface.
“Jassids lay eggs on rolled cotton leaves. This is exactly what we have deprived it of in our cotton research” says Epieru.
Epiru maintains that Jassids feed on cotton leaves and that their colour ranges from green, yellow-green to brown.
“The insects cause leaves to curl at the edge, turning yellow or reddish and may dry in severe cases. The pests may lead to stunted growth and can reduce yields by up to 80% in severe cases”
Dr Epiru was on Monday June 30 addressing members of the district production directorate at the production hall at the district.
He says many farmers in Lango, Acholi and Kasese districts had given up cotton cultivation due to the insects.
Filed under: Apac Uganda
