Task force formed for apple disease survey

Tribune News Service

Solan, July 13

A task force of scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Regional Research Stations has been constituted to assess the severity of apple diseases, including scab, premature leaf fall and alternaria leaf fall, which have hit orchards.

Triggered by climate change, particularly increased rainfall and relative humidity, the incidence of fungal diseases such as scab, premature leaf fall and alternaria leaf fall has been reported from the apple belt in the past one week. Scab had also been reported from the apple growing areas in the past years also.

The survey has already been done in Chamba and Mehla blocks while Tissa and Bharmaur blocks are being surveyed. In Kullu, the scientists from the RHRTS, Bajaura, have reported scab in the Lug valley and Manikaran. In Kinnaur, some orchards in Kalpa have been affected while farmers have been advised about the measures to be taken in the scab-prone areas. The scientists from the KVK, Kinnaur, and the RHRTS, Sharbo, are also carrying out field surveys and advising farmers about various measures.

Vice-Chancellor Parvinder Kaushal said that in the past one week, the university had been actively assessing the situation and its scientists working in different departments — KVK in Shimla, Kinnaur and Chamba, and RHRTS at Mashobra, Bajaura and Sharbo — were conducting a field survey in the apple-growing areas in various districts.

He said that experts were making field visits to the affected areas and awareness camps were being organised in association with the Horticulture Department for orchardists. In Shimla district, the incidence of scab had been reported from Baagi, Dalgaon, Kuthara, Gawna, Spail and Ransar valleys. The KVK, Shimla, and the RHRTS, Mashobra, had organised awareness programmes at Kharapathar, Garog, Kaina, Kalbog Ratnali and Baagi areas in the last one week.