Spider mite infestation found in Shopian apple orchards

Shopian, Oct 23 : Farmers in the Zainapora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district have reported spider mite infestations in their apple orchards. The pest problem has been particularly reported in the villages of Babapora, Awneera, and Durpora.
Farmers first noticed yellowing of leaves in July, initially mistaking it for necrosis caused by environmental factors. However, upon closer inspection, they identified the culprit: spider mites.
The farmers informed horticulture officials, who recommended insecticide sprays to control the infestation. While the initial sprays did contain the mite population, the pest re-emerged after a brief respite.
Farmers have observed that the spider mites spin webs on the underside of apple leaves, causing damage that mimics the impact of leaf miners but with far more devastating effects.
According to the farmers the mites can cause severe defoliation just within a week, threatening the overall health of affected trees.
Chief Horticulture Officer for Shopian, Mohammad Ramzan War, that spider mites are a known pest in Kashmir, typically kept in check by natural predators.
He said that decline in predator populations, combined with changing climatic conditions, has allowed the mite population to thrive.
War added that a team of specialists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) visited the affected areas and found that the infestation is limited to a few villages.
He said that the infestation was introduced to Zainapora from a neighbouring district through grafting material.
He said spider mites are like red mites which damage apple trees by sucking the leaves.
To address the issue, an advisory tailored to the current weather conditions will be formulated, aiming to help farmers contain the pest and protect their orchards.