Apple orchards in south Kashmir are facing a significant challenge due to a leaf miner pest infestation for the fourth consecutive year. Growers in the region have reported that the presence of this pest has led to reduced fruit quality and size, attributing these effects to the pest's nutrient extraction from the trees. The pest, identified as a leaf miner, has been noted for its ability to form web layers across branches, impacting both the foliage and the fruit directly.
Originally detected in the Zainapora area of Shopian, the pest has since expanded its reach to several other areas within south Kashmir. Despite adherence to horticulture advisories, local orchardists have observed the pest's persistence, leading to calls for more effective management strategies from the horticulture department and agricultural experts. The recommended control measures include the application of specific insecticides, the use of sticky and pheromone-baited traps, and the maintenance of sanitation practices within orchards to mitigate the spread of the pest.
Senior scientists from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have emphasized that while the pest poses a significant challenge, it remains manageable with consistent and collective efforts from the farming community. The horticulture department has endorsed a comprehensive approach to pest management, stressing the importance of coordinated insecticide application and monitoring to prevent future infestations.
Source: dailygoodmorningkashmir.com