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THE winter chill is becoming increasingly manifest in Kerala as the mercury sought new lows at many places in the State during the three days ending December 10.

According to the Agromet Advisory issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, the mean minimum temperature varied between 19 deg C and 22 deg C in various districts. The lowest minimum of 15.2 deg C was recorded at Cochin International Airport on December 9. The minimum temperature was 4 deg below normal in Alappuzha district on December 9 and 10, in Ernakulam on December 10, and in Kollam on December 9. In Thiruvananthapuram, the minimum temperature dropped to 3 deg below normal on December 10.

However, the Director, Met Office, Mr M.D. Ramachandran, said the drop to below normal has been largely locational and far and few between. It did not conform to a specific pattern to suggest the onset of a `cold wave' of sorts in the State. He was reacting to reports in the local media, which said some areas around Kottayam had experienced unprecedented lows during the last few days. In the high-ranges, though, the mercury had dipped to below freezing point, these reports had said.

Forecast valid until December 13: Mainly dry weather for the whole of the State. No significant change in outlook was indicated for the two subsequent days.

State and stage of crops: The paddy crop was in the panicle initiation stage. Weeding and top dressing operations had almost been completed. Water management and plant protection measures had since been initiated. In coconut and arecanut, intercultural operations were continuing while plant protection measures were on in cashew, coconut, cardamom, pepper and vegetables. Fruit trees were in the flowering stage. In rubber, tapping and staking of young plants were in progress.

Advisory for next 4 days: Paddy fields should be closely watched for stem borer and leaf roller. In case of infestation, control measures, as in spraying with Phosphamidon in 0.5 ml/litre of water, should be initiated. In coconut gardens, it is likely that stem bleeding might occur, in which case the decayed portions should be removed carefully, cleaned, and smeared with Bordeaux paste. Mass spraying of wettable sulphur at 4 gm/litre of water can be resorted to in case where mite infestation is detected.

In cashew, spraying with Phosphamidon at 0.6 ml/litre of water is suggested to coincide with the emergence of panicles and flowering. Mulching can be resorted to in respect of almost the entire range of crops in order to preserve soil moisture. Weeding and top dressing can be continued on banana, vegetables and tapioca.

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