Apple scab threat looms over Kashmir orchards

Shopian, Aug 10: Prolonged rainfall across south Kashmir is throwing fresh challenges for apple growers in various with cases of secondary apple scab and other moisture-related diseases being reported from several fruit-growing areas of the districts.
The farmers said that the continuous wet conditions over the past fortnight have kept orchards excessively moist, creating a favourable environment for fungal infections and raising concerns over the quality of the apple crop as the season progresses.
The secondary scab has emerged in Nagbal area of Shopian, Dachnipora area of Anantnag, Aharbal side of Kulgam and Shadimarg area of Pulwama besides other major apple-producing pockets in Kashmir.
Growers said that while timely rainfall is generally considered beneficial for fruit development, excessive and uninterrupted precipitation can have the opposite effect by increasing disease pressure, affecting foliage and damaging the appearance of the fruit.
“Rain is important for maintaining moisture and supporting fruit development, but when it continues for days together, the conditions become favourable for fungal diseases. The situation now requires close monitoring,” said an Nisar Ahmad an apple grower from Shopian.
According to growers, the problem is being noticed across both lower and higher elevations, indicating that the prolonged wet spell has affected orchards across a wide geographical area.
Apart from scab, waterlogging has emerged as another major concern. In several orchards, farmers said the soil has remained saturated for prolonged periods, leaving standing water in some areas.
They fear that continued waterlogging could affect the root systems of apple trees and eventually lead to root rot and other soil-borne problems. Such damage, growers said, may not always become visible immediately but could weaken trees and affect their productivity in the longer term.
Another grower said that his orchard had developed symptoms resembling necrotic leaf blotch following the prolonged wet conditions.
“Scab is not the only issue. We are also noticing leaf-related problems. Continuous moisture is creating conditions for multiple diseases, and growers will have to remain extremely cautious,” he said.
It’s in place to mention here that Apple scab is a fungal disease considered among the major threats to apple cultivation in Kashmir. Secondary infections can develop during the growing season when favourable weather conditions persist after the initial infection.
Extended periods of rainfall, high humidity and prolonged leaf wetness provide suitable conditions for the fungus to multiply and spread from one part of an orchard to another.
The disease commonly appears as dark or velvety lesions on leaves and fruit. Severe infection can affect the appearance and marketability of apples and may also increase expenditure on orchard protection and disease management.
The farmers, however, said rainfall is not entirely detrimental to the crop. Adequate moisture can support fruit growth and, under suitable conditions, contribute to better fruit size and colour.
The problem arises when rainfall becomes excessive and the soil and foliage remain wet for prolonged periods.
Weather data cited in the report showed that Jammu and Kashmir received around 35 per cent more rainfall than normal during July,
Farmers said they are keeping a close watch on orchards and urged the Horticulture Department to intensify field-level guidance, particularly regarding disease identification, orchard drainage and timely management measures.
They said that they are under fear as weather department has predicted more rains in coming days.
With the apple harvest approaching, growers fear that a combination of fungal diseases, fruit cracking and waterlogging could affect both the quality and market returns of the crop if the wet spell continues.
They said timely technical intervention and regular field inspections would be important to prevent the situation from worsening and to protect the season’s crop from avoidable losses. (KNO)