Long dry spell triggers woolly aphid outbreak in Chamba apple orchards

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The woolly aphid, which becomes active as sap rises in apple plants, is easy to spot due to the cotton-like clusters it forms on tree trunks and branches. These pests weaken apple trees over time, impairing both the health of the plants and the quality of the fruit they produce. In severe cases, the infestation spreads to the roots, causing even greater damage.

Farmers in key apple-growing areas, including Saho, Bharmour, Pangi, Tissa and Salooni, are currently engaged in pruning, planting and preparing manure-rich pits. However, the ongoing dry spell has left their orchards vulnerable to infestation. In these parts of Chamba, where nearly 70 per cent of the population depends on apple farming as their main source of income, the woolly aphid outbreak has caused widespread alarm.

Orchardists such as Prakash Chand, Madan Kumar, Roshan Lal, Chaman Lal and Kamal Kumar have voiced concerns about the crop damage brought on by these pests. They say the dry weather has created ideal conditions for the aphids to flourish, putting their already delicate livelihoods at further risk.

Horticulture experts in the region are urging farmers to take immediate action. According to Chamba Deputy Director of Horticulture Pramod Shah, the pest thrives in the absence of rain. He explained that woolly aphids typically hibernate in October, but when dry conditions persist, they multiply rapidly. Shah emphasised the importance of both mechanical and chemical measures to tackle the problem. He advised farmers to remove infested plants manually and spray insecticides such as chlorpyrifos. Traditional remedies, including the use of neem oil or sour buttermilk, can also be effective in controlling the pest.

The woolly aphid poses a significant threat to apple farming due to the way it impacts the trees’ ability to absorb nutrients. Research has shown that these pests disrupt nitrogen absorption in apple plants, causing nitrogen to accumulate in root nodules rather than reaching the leaves. This stunts plant growth and reduces the overall yield of healthy fruit.

The lifecycle of the woolly aphid also makes it particularly difficult to control. Unlike most insects, they give birth to live offspring rather than laying eggs. During summer, a single aphid can produce 15 to 20 aphids every day, although their reproduction slows during colder months. The dry weather, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, provides the perfect environment for the pests to thrive.

Horticultural experts recommend a comprehensive approach to managing woolly aphid infestations. Regular monitoring of orchards is crucial to detect the pests in their early stages. Pruning affected branches and maintaining cleanliness in orchards can also help prevent the spread of the infestation. Chemical treatments, while sometimes necessary, must be applied carefully to avoid the development of pest resistance. Systemic insecticides and horticultural oils are commonly used but need to be alternated for sustained effectiveness.

In addition to these measures, biological control methods offer a promising solution. Natural predators such as lady beetles and parasitic wasps can significantly reduce woolly aphid populations without harming the trees. Experts believe that integrating these biological solutions with traditional and chemical methods can provide a sustainable way to manage the infestation.

For the farmers of Chamba, the woolly aphid outbreak serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges that climate and environmental factors can bring to apple farming. With their livelihoods hanging in the balance, orchardists are relying on a mix of expert advice, traditional methods, and community resilience to tackle this growing menace.