A survey by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has detected whitefly infestation in some cotton fields across the state’s cotton belt, with pest levels nearing the economic threshold of six whiteflies per leaf.Experts warned that the prevailing weather conditions could further increase the infestation over the coming week. The university has advised farmers to monitor their fields regularly and begin control measures once the infestation reaches the economic threshold level.For whitefly control, the university recommended spraying any one of the prescribed insecticides, including flonikamid, aphidopyropen or pyrifluquinazon, in recommended quantities.Farmers were also advised to monitor green leafhopper infestation and spray recommended pesticides if 50 per cent of fully developed leaves show yellowing along the edges and downward curling.For early-sown cotton, PAU advised initiating pink bollworm control when 10-20 per cent of plants reach the flower-bud stage, using the recommended insecticides.To manage white bollworm in desi cotton, the university recommended spraying one of the prescribed pesticides when about 25 per cent of plants have flowered.