Horticulture experts recommend post-harvest measures for Apple orchards

Pulwama, Oct 24: In a bid to mitigate scab and other infections, horticulture experts in Pulwama are advising apple orchard owners to undertake various post-harvest operations.
District-level subject matter specialist (SMS) of the Department of Horticulture, Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Dar, highlighted the importance of managing fallen leaves during the post-harvest stage.
“Leaf fall can pose a significant issue for orchardists, as not all trees in an orchard shed their leaves simultaneously. This situation can become challenging for growers, and the presence of intact leaves increases the risk of tree damage, particularly during snowfall,” he said, adding that to address this, orchardists are recommended to monitor their trees and, when around 1 to 2 percent of leaves turn yellow, give a spray of urea solution at the rate of 4 kilograms per 100 litres of water.
According to Mohammad Shafi Dar, the application of urea has dual advantages. “It induces simultaneous leaf fall from apple trees and aids in the rapid decomposition of fallen leaves, ultimately preventing scab infection in the orchard, “he said, adding that proper disposal of fallen leaves and fruits can reduce the chances of scab infection by approximately 80 percent.
The horticulture expert also advises orchard owners to consider spraying recommended insecticides in cases where woolly aphid infections are observed.
“This treatment is need-based and should be administered during the post-harvest period. Failing to control this pest can lead to its migration towards the roots during winter, affecting the tree’s nutrient-absorbing capacity,” he said.
Furthermore, the expert emphasized the importance of managing rodents, which can cause significant damage to orchards during the winter.
Orchardists are encouraged to use the correct dosage of recommended rodenticide, mixed with rice and mustard oil, to control rats and mice.
“The recommended mixture includes 10 grams of rodenticide in 480 grams of rice treated with 10 grams of mustard oil. Small packets of this mixture can be placed inside rodent holes to keep their populations in check,” he said.
Lastly, the expert stressed the need for proper drainage in apple orchards during winter to prevent stagnation due to rain and snowfall.
“Ensuring adequate drainage is essential to avoid the risk of root rot, which can be triggered by water accumulation during the winter months,” he said.