Bandipora, Feb 20: A team of Scientists consisting Dr. Malik Mukhtar Associate Professor and Dr. Abu Manzar Professor of the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture SKUAST-K participated in a mass awareness camp in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, GoJK at Gund Jahangir Sonawari District Bandipora where Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ABLM) had been reported from several orchards.
The experts highlighted the role of a collective approach in managing this insect pest. They urged the stakeholders to undertake management practices at the community level to break the life cycle of this pest. The experts and officials of the Department of Horticulture stressed that any laxity at this point could have disastrous consequences for the fruit industry. The orchardists and other stakeholders were made aware of managing the ABLM at the community level.
Orchardists were asked to strictly adhere to the ad hoc advisory issued by SKUAST-K as it is paramount in curbing the pest. The team underscored the importance of different ways of managing the pest and emphasized on spraying of insecticides in all the affected orchards so that no residual population survives in any unsprayed orchard that may serve as inoculum for the coming season. On-spot control measures were given to the orchardists.
