Experts advise measures for minimising pesticide use in apple orchards

Pulwama, Jan 01: Horticulture experts have advised a number of measures for minimising pesticide use in apple orchards of Kashmir.
Dr Zaffar Afroz Badri, Senior Scientist and Head SKUAST-K’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shopian said that use of pesticides in apple orchards can’t be avoided .
He, however, said that pesticide use can be minimised by controlling spread of different infections by adopting some healthy orchard management practices.
He said that sanitation assumes paramount significance in controlling various infections like Scab, Alterneria and Leaf Blotch.
He said that inoculum of infectious diseases usually sprout from fallen leaves and twigs in an apple orchard.
“Maintaining orchard sanitation reduces the chances of inoculum germination,” he said, adding that as a result a farmer needs to spray minimum pesticides.
The senior scientist said that minimum sprays should be applied during favourable weather.
“During rains recommended sprays have to be applied mandatory,” he said, adding that canopy management plays a significant role in controlling leaf wetness, orchard ventilation and bud formation.
He stressed that apple trees should be properly trained and pruned by skilled pruners.
“The spacing between plants should be as per scientific guidelines,” he said, adding that branches of two neighbouring apple trees should not penetrate each other.
He also focused on increasing the immunity of apple plant trees.
He advocated use of vermicompost, compost and other decomposed organic matter to maintain soil fertility.
As per an estimate apple orchardists across Kashmir use up to 17 sprays of different chemical substances including pesticides in their orchards.
The rampant use of pesticides affects fruit quality.
Horticulture experts believe that high pesticide residue in apples is an unhealthy sign which creates hurdles in its marketing.