In case of 70% petal fall, use spray fungicide: Expert

Srinagar, April 15: Amid discussion over spray schedule in view of the wet spell forecast from April 17, horticulture experts today advised orchardists to spray fungicide in those orchards where 60 to 70 percent petal fall has taken place.
Dr Shamim Simnani, Professor Division of Fruit Sciences SKUAST Kashmir said that if petal fall has started and 60 to 70 percent fall has taken place it is better to go for the spray.
“Because if we wait for rains to stop, by that time infections would spread all over the tree and if we miss the spray we can lose the entire crop,” he said.
Dr Shamim also said in normal weather conditions if orchardists spray fungicides it should be followed by 12 hours of wetting period or dry weather.
“Within that period it is absorbed in that plant. If there is no 12 hours of wetting period and rains start during this period then the spray should be repeated,” he said.
Experts also said that the best time for spray is morning and this is the critical stage of the scab so people must avoid mixing more pesticides and insecticides.
They also said that farmers should also follow the advisories issued by the SKUAST-K and the horticulture department.
The Horticulture Department Kashmir has already issued a fresh spray schedule for orchardists and asked them not to spray pesticides without wearing protective clothing to cover the whole body.
As per the spray schedule issued by the department, it advised farmers not to use muddy or stagnant water for preparing pesticide solution and don’t prepare or spray pesticides without wearing protective clothing.
Regarding storage of pesticides it said that storage places should be well protected from direct sunlight or rain and instructions on containers should be followed carefully before use adding that close monitoring of pests and diseases is important for effective management.