Srinagar: Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Shopian on Wednesday said that the Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ALBM)—found in some apple orchards in Zainapora area can be eradicated provided the farmers adhere to the advisory.
“During the year 2020, some apple orchards in Zainapora village were found infested with insect pest called Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ALBM) which affected foliage of the Apple trees and fruits,” a statement issued here said.
It added that the affected orchards were inspected jointly by department of Horticulture and SKUAST (K) experts. As per the SKUAST (K) authorities, the pest was considered as invasive pest. The affected orchards were monitored continuously and adhoc advisory was framed by SKUAST experts for its control.
“To curb the further spread of the pest, farmers were made aware about the advisory and preventive measures viz chemical control, sanitation of orchards and mechanical control measures which reduced the infestation in the fruiting season 2021and 2022 considerably.”
“The department of Horticulture visited whole of the area of Zainapora and adjoining villages viz Safanagri, Wachi, Babapora, Durpora, Reshipora, Awaneera etc and conducted awareness programmes about the behavior of pest demonstrated the use of pheromone traps, destruction of cocoons on the spot to the farmers through field functionaries of the Department.”
“At present the infestation of insect is under check in the treated areas comparatively and the pest can be eradicated provided the farmers adhere to the advisory issued by SKUAST (K) experts. Further, studies and trials for controlling the pest are under process,” he said.
