Pyrilla and Whitefly infestations threaten Pakistan’s sugarcane crops

September 18, 2025 (MLN): Sugarcane crops across Pakistan are under serious threat as pyrilla and whitefly infestations spread rapidly due to increased humidity, causing significant damage and raising concerns for production losses.

The pests, which attack the underside of sugarcane leaves by sucking out their juice, weaken the plants and drastically reduce yield potential.

A high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that pyrilla, previously affecting northern areas, has now shifted to southern regions, intensifying the challenge.

Experts explained that the pests cause yellow spots, leaf drying and fungal growth due to honeydew secretions, leading to blackened leaves that cannot produce food for the plant.

Farmers have been strongly advised to take immediate preventive measures, including regular inspection of fields, consultation with agriculture extension officers and timely spraying with recommended pesticides such as Imidacloprid. Officials warned that any delay could cause irreversible crop losses.

The Minister assured farmers that the government is mobilizing all concerned departments, running awareness campaigns and providing technical support, stressing that collective action is vital to safeguard sugarcane production.

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