Apple Blotch Leaf Miner: Experts advise farmers to adhere to SKUAST- K advisory for managing infestation

Pulwama, March 25 : Horticulture experts have advised farmers to adhere to SKUAST-K advisory for managing Apple Blotch Leaf Miner.
Mohammad Shafi Dar, a subject matter specialist in horticulture department Kashmir, advised orchardists whose orchards have been infested with ABLM to begin their spray schedule with HMO.
“ SKUAST- K advisory doesn’t recommend application of any insecticide before HMO spray,” he said, adding that the advisory recommends Quinalphos application in Leaf Miner infested orchards during November.
“Orchardists having Leaf Miner infestation in their orchards and who missed the Quinalphos during November need to spray the insecticide at the beginning of the season,” he said, adding that such farmers should can apply HMO after a gap of 10 days.
The horticulture expert informed that Cypermethrin has been excluded from this year’s spray schedule against Leaf Miner due to environmental concerns.
“This insecticide has side effects and farmers should avoid it,” he said.
According to SKUAST- K advisory, which provides a detailed seasonal pest control plan to help farmers combat this growing threat to apple production, the pest remains in its pupal stage, overwintering in fallen leaves, fruits, and tree trunks from October to March.
To minimize its impact, farmers are advised to collect and destroy fallen debris and scrape loose bark to expose and eliminate the pupae.
A post-harvest spray of Quinalphos 25% EC (100 ml/100 liters of water) is recommended in November and December to further control the infestation.
The advisory stresses the importance of monitoring orchards, maintaining sanitation, and spreading awareness among farmers.
With the onset of spring (April–May), adult moths emerge and begin laying eggs.
The advisory asks farmers to install pheromone-baited traps (8–10 per hectare) and sticky traps (one per 10 meters) to track pest activity.
If infestations are high, they are advised to spray with Thiamethoxam 25 WG or Lambda Cyhalothrin to reduce the pest population.
During June to August, as apples develop, the second and third generations of the pest emerge, requiring continuous monitoring.
Farmers should maintain pheromone and sticky traps and apply targeted insecticides such as Flubendiamide, Imidacloprid and Lambda Cyhalothrin to safeguard the crop.
By September, the pest reaches its advanced generations, making pest control crucial. Farmers must ensure proper sanitation, continuous monitoring, and insecticide application to prevent crop loss.
The advisory warns against mixing insecticides with other plant protection chemicals or nutrients and highlights the importance of replacing pheromone lures every 30 days for effective monitoring.
SKUAST-K officials emphasize that early detection and proper orchard hygiene are key to minimizing damage.