Pulwama, Dec 11: Agriculture experts urged farmers in Kashmir to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to combat growing pest threats in apple orchards, particularly the Green Apple Aphid, which has caused significant damage in recent years.
Syed Tawseef Ahmad, an agriculture expert who works as Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) in Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Kashmir, explained that Green Apple Aphids feed on young plant tissues, causing deformities such as bumps and red spots on fruits.
He added that the pest’s excretion of honeydew fosters black sooty fungus, which diminishes fruit quality and complicates harvesting and pruning.
“The pest reproduces rapidly through parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction. Overwintering eggs hatch in spring, producing females that give birth to live offspring,” he said, adding that with each generation developing within 2-3 weeks, populations peak in July and August, spreading through winged individuals when colonies become overcrowded.
Ahmad attributed the outbreak to factors such as monoculture, temperature fluctuations, pesticide overuse, and the decline of natural predators. He cautioned that indiscriminate pesticide use not only eliminates beneficial insects but also leads to pest resistance and ecological imbalances, allowing secondary pests like aphids to flourish.
He emphasized that IPM is a sustainable solution that combines biological control, cultural practices, and selective pesticide use. He said that IPM focuses on natural predators and targeted interventions, reducing environmental impact and long-term reliance on chemicals.
Ahmad noted that farmers often miss the critical June-July window for pesticide application, allowing aphid populations to surge. “What could have been managed with a single spray often requires multiple, less effective applications later,” he said.
He also warned of a similar risk from the Apple Leaf Miner, which is currently in a population-building phase and could soon reach outbreak levels without timely intervention.
“Sound research, proactive measures, and widespread adoption of IPM are vital to safeguarding Kashmir’s apple industry,” he said.
