Experts ask farmers to improve moisture in orchard soil when temperature crosses 40C.

MULTAN -- Agriculture experts said on Monday that citrus orchards can survive heat up to 40 Celsius and any rise above this level can compromise production and make remedial measures compulsory.

In a statement issued here, agriculture spokesman reminded farmers to water their orchards as soon as they witness leaf turning yellow after Celsius scale cross 40 on the scale. It helps maintain the moisture level in soil enough to ensure leaf continue to feed the plant.

Explaining this the expert said that green material that produce carbohydrates start disappearing with rise in temperature after 40 Celsius. Consequently, fruit do not get carbohydrates and begin to turn yellow before they fall on the ground prematurely. Not only it affects size of the fruit, overall production and other characteristics are also compromised.

Farmers must not be complacent and use tensiometer to check soil moisture to take remedial measures when required.

Such measures be adopted that prevent or minimize vaporization and enable soil retain moisture for a longer duration...