Pulwama : Experts have urged apple orchardists for management of Canker diseases in its early stages to save the affected tree from damages.
According to Dr. Shahnawaz, a pomologist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Malangpora Pulwama, canker disease is similar to a cancerous tumour in a plant and must be treated early on to avoid disastrous effects on the host.
“Management of the diseases in the late stage becomes difficult,” he said, adding that it is a fatal disease that can cause drying and death in the affected plant organ.
He said that it can be caused by bacteria or fungi that get entry into a tree through cuts or injuries induced by pruning, cutting, hailing, wind, or other factors. He said that the pathogens overwinter at the infected site.
“The spores of bacteria or mycelia of fungi after entry into the plant start their life cycle, and for the first two to three years the disease doesn’t show its symptoms,” he said, adding that in the initial stage the symptoms remain hidden.
He said that once the number of spores or mycelia reaches an optimum level, it starts attacking the plant.
“A dark, burn-like spot appears at the infected site, and if left untreated, it gradually spreads throughout the entire branch or trunk,” he said, adding that it kills living bark.
The dead branch or trunk then needs to be cut, as the disease has caused significant branch or trunk loss in the affected orchid.
Experts suggest pruning out the cankers and spraying the area with a Bordeaux mixture or approved fixed copper materials as a control measure.
Scraping the canker in its initial stages can also control the spread of the infection.
“The entire infected area must be scraped; the infected wood and bark must be collected on a cloth or piece of paper and properly disposed of (burned) so that spores are destroyed,” he explained.
Dr. Shahnawaz added that cankers usually attack apple trees suffering from drought, malnutrition, and other forms of stress.
