With the early monsoon posing threats of disease and pest infestations in apple orchards across Himachal Pradesh, scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, have embarked on a two-day field exercise to monitor crop health and sensitise growers.
The initiative, which covers large parts of Shimla district on July 9 and 10, is being coordinated by the University's Directorate of Research. According to a university spokesperson, the primary concern is the emergence of Alternaria leaf spot/blight and other foliar infections that risk affecting the quality and yield of apples and other stone fruits.
“To provide timely and location-specific guidance, the university has constituted five expert teams comprising scientists from the main campus at Nauni, RHRTS (Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station) Mashobra, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Solan and Shimla,” the spokesperson said.
Also read: Mysterious apple disease threatens fruit cultivation in HP
Each team includes a plant pathologist, entomologist, and fruit scientist, alongside other specialists, and is conducting on-ground assessments of orchards. Their interaction with local orchardists focuses on identifying early signs of disease and offering practical, scientific recommendations to mitigate losses.
Simultaneously, scientists from RHRTS Bajaura in Kullu, and KVKs in Chamba and Kinnaur, are also engaging with farmers in their respective regions. These outreach efforts are part of a coordinated campaign to address weather-linked vulnerabilities in the state's fruit belt.
A comprehensive advisory based on the observations gathered during the visits is expected to be issued shortly to guide orchardists through the remainder of the season.
The university maintains that such field initiatives reflect its continued commitment to proactive farmer engagement and sustainable horticulture.
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