Pests & diseases on rise: Kangra’s fruit growers battle monsoon woes

The subtropical fruit crops of Kangra district are facing a survival crisis amid prolonged, incessant monsoon rains. Waterlogging and excessive soil moisture are suffocating the roots and aerial parts of fruit and vegetable plants, leaving growers worried about heavy losses.

The Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Nurpur, has issued an advisory to help orchardists mitigate damage and protect their plantations.

According to Dr Vipan Guleria, Associate Director, RHRS, continuous rainfall has badly affected mango, litchi, guava, citrus, aonla, lasura, harar, papaya, dragon fruit and vegetables due to flooding in orchards and nurseries. “The increased incidence of pests and diseases, both above and below ground, is causing extensive damage. Soil-borne pathogens such as phytophthora, pythium, rhizoctonia and fusarium can trigger root rots and wilts, leading to the death of both young and mature plants,” he said, urging growers to strictly follow expert guidelines.

Dr Rajesh Kaler, Principal Horticulture Scientist, stressed canopy management practices like pruning and thinning. “Removing inter-crossing, diseased, broken and weak branches improves light penetration and airflow, boosting tree health. Newly planted saplings should be staked to prevent lodging and uprooting, while regular ploughing will curb pests and fruit flies,” he noted. He also advised collecting and destroying fallen leaves to limit disease spread and emphasised integrated pest management using cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods.

Soil scientist Dr Renu Kapoor highlighted the importance of soil and water management. She recommended better drainage systems, balanced nutrition and organic matter incorporation to counter the adverse impacts of water stagnation. “Excess water erodes nutrients and organic content, so effective water management is critical,” she cautioned.

Experts collectively underlined that timely interventions could minimise losses and help sustain orchards through this challenging monsoon season.