Pulwama, Oct 07: Horticulture experts are advising apple growers in South Kashmir to take immediate and coordinated measures against the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner (ABLM) infestation affecting their orchards this October.
The invasive pest, first identified in the Shopian district in 2020, has significantly impacted apple orchards across South Kashmir this year. ABLM poses a serious threat to apple trees, damaging their leaves and subsequently affecting fruit quality.
Mohammad Shafi Dar, a District Level Subject Matter Specialist with the Horticulture Department in Pulwama, stressed the importance of adhering to scientifically backed guidelines from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K). He cautioned farmers against seeking advice from local pesticide sellers, noting that ABLM lacks natural predators in the region, which could otherwise help control its population.
“Although the pest has no natural enemy here, effective management is possible through the right interventions,” Dar stated. He urged orchardists to implement the comprehensive action plan developed by the Horticulture Department in collaboration with SKUAST-K, which outlines necessary measures to be taken during October, a critical month when the pest enters its pupation stage.
Community-level cooperation is essential for the effectiveness of these interventions. “To successfully control the infestation, all growers in an affected area need to spray recommended insecticides simultaneously,” Dar explained. He added that while managing the leaf miner is feasible, neglecting its presence could lead to a decline in fruit quality.
In addition to spraying insecticides, experts recommend burlapping tree trunks with gunny bags and cleaning infested trunks to help minimize the pest’s spread. Dar emphasized the importance of prompt action, noting that timely interventions in October could significantly reduce infestation severity in the upcoming growing season.
Experts also highlighted the need for maintaining proper sanitation in and around orchards, which includes collecting fallen leaves and fruits, and destroying debris. They advised removing loose bark to expose and eliminate the pupa from the tree trunk.
This year, the leaf miner has been reported in high intensity across various villages in Pulwama, leaving growers struggling to contain the pest. Experts attribute the situation to higher-than-usual temperatures, which have created ideal breeding conditions for ABLM. While apple trees are the primary target of the pest, it has also been found on other fruit trees, including cherries and plums.
By taking immediate action, experts hope to control the spread of the leaf miner, thereby preserving the quality of the region’s prized apple crops.
