Heavy rains raise apple disease risk, Nauni university issues advisory to growers
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, July 12
With widespread monsoon rains creating favourable conditions for the outbreak of fungal diseases in apple orchards, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, has issued a detailed advisory asking apple growers to remain vigilant and adopt timely disease management practices.
The Department of Plant Pathology of the university said that persistent rainfall, high humidity and prolonged wetness have created ideal epidemiological conditions for the occurrence and rapid spread of leaf blight, leaf spots, Marssonina leaf blotch and several soil-borne diseases in apple orchards. Orchards that reported these diseases during the previous season are particularly vulnerable.
The university has advised growers to strictly follow the fungicide spray schedule recommended by the Directorate of Horticulture and UHF. Farmers have also been asked to regularly monitor orchards for symptoms of leaf spots, blight, white root rot and collar rot and undertake need-based fungicide application as per scientific recommendations.
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The advisory recommends removal of weeds from orchards to reduce disease incidence. For the management of Alternaria leaf spot, leaf blight and Marssonina leaf blotch, growers have been advised to use protective fungicides such as metiram.
In orchards with severe disease incidence, alternate sprays of recommended fungicide formulations, including Lustre 5% SE, Cabrio Top 60WG, Shamir, Luna Experience and Avtaar, have been suggested in prescribed doses.
To control white root rot, farmers have been advised to drench the tree basin with carbendazim three to four times during the rainy season to a depth of 15 to 20 centimetres. For collar rot, drenching around the tree basin with mancozeb has been recommended.
The advisory also recommends spraying Cuprofix DISPRESS within 24 hours after harvest for the management of silver leaf canker and other cankers. Farmers have been cautioned not to mix pesticides with micronutrients, growth regulators or other chemicals to avoid phytotoxicity, russeting and other crop disorders.
The university has further urged growers to report disease symptoms along with photographs to the Department of Plant Pathology for expert guidance and timely intervention.
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