Explanation

• Leaf fly is a major pest of cotton plants.
• It feeds on leaves, causing leaf curling and stunted growth.
• Proper pest management improves yield and fiber quality.

Last verified on 30-01-2026

Explanation

• Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis.
• BT is a soil bacterium used in agriculture to produce a toxin that controls insect pests.
• It is commonly applied in organic farming and in BT cotton to resist bollworms.

Last verified on 30-01-2026

Explanation

• Recommended seed rate of cotton is 8–10 kg per acre.
• Ensures optimal plant population and fiber yield.
• Proper spacing and seed rate improve air circulation and reduce pest attack.

Last verified on 30-01-2026

Explanation

• Sunflower is an oilseed crop grown for edible oil and seeds.
• Seed rate is the amount of seed sown per acre to ensure optimal plant population.
• Proper seed rate ensures good growth, uniform flowering, and maximum yield.

Additional information:

• Seeds are usually sown in rows 30–40 cm apart for proper spacing.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Chickpea (Gram) is a widely grown legume in Pakistan.
• Seed rate indicates how much seed is needed per acre for optimal growth.
• Proper seed rate ensures good plant population, yield, and uniform growth.

Additional information:

• Chickpea seeds are sown in rows with 30–40 cm spacing.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Deep-rooted crops can access water from deeper soil layers, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
• Examples: Sugarcane, Cotton, and Sorghum.

Additional information:

• Shallow-rooted crops like Lettuce and Radish need more frequent watering.

Last verified on 31-01-2026

Explanation

• Plant quarantine refers to laws and regulations that prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases through seeds, plants, or plant products.
• Ensures healthy crops and protects local agriculture.
• Involves inspection, certification, and restricted import/export of plants and seeds.

Last verified on 31-01-2026

Explanation

• Smut infects wheat spikes, reducing grain quantity and quality.
• On average, it causes around 7% global wheat yield loss.

Additional information:

• Other major wheat diseases: Rust, Blight, Powdery Mildew
• Prevention: Use resistant varieties, seed treatment, and fungicides

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Cotton leaf curl virus is a major viral disease affecting cotton in Pakistan.
• Causes leaf curling, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
• Spread by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci).

Additional information:

• Resistant cotton varieties and integrated pest management (IPM) help control it.
• First major outbreak in Pakistan occurred in the 1990s, and it remains a serious threat.

Last verified on 31-01-2026

Explanation

• Developing virus-resistant potato varieties is difficult.
• Because viruses multiply quickly and are transmitted by insects.
• Virus infections can reduce potato yield by up to 80%.
• Use of certified seed and crop rotation helps manage virus spread.

Last verified on 30-01-2026