Shimla, Aug 5,
A surge in fungal infections is threatening apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh, as relentless rainfall and high humidity create the perfect breeding ground for disease. Widespread yellowing of leaves, early fruit drop, and dark fungal spots on apples are being reported across the apple belt, raising serious concerns among growers and traders.
The prolonged wet spell has pushed relative humidity above 80 percent, triggering the rapid spread of fungal diseases such as Alternaria and Leaf Blight. “It’s not just the infection; the rain has also reduced the fruit size and compromised quality,†said Pawan Sharma, an orchardist from Theog. “If the downpour continues, the damage will only multiply.â€
In the Parala Fruit Market, one of the region’s key apple trading hubs, commission agent Sushil Thakur noted a sharp decline in quality. “A large volume of immature and infected apples are arriving from Shimla district. The high market rates we saw earlier are now slipping due to the deteriorating quality,†he said.
Experts warn that the fungal spread, if unchecked, could severely impact this year’s apple yield. Dr. S.P. Bhardwaj, a horticulture specialist, recommends immediate remedial measures. “Growers should wait for clear weather to spray fungicides. It’s vital to remove excess branches to improve air circulation and ensure sunlight reaches the foliage. Clearing grass from the base and inspecting trees regularly is also key. Spraying should be repeated every 15 days to control diseases like scab and leaf spot,†he advised.
With the harvest season entering its peak, growers are on edge. The combination of wet conditions, premature leaf fall, and declining market prices is creating a storm of uncertainty around the state’s most vital horticultural crop. If the monsoon doesn’t relent soon, orchardists fear heavy economic losses and a below-average season ahead.
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