Now spider mite disease hits apple orchards in south Kashmir’s Shopian
Growers concerned, team of experts collect samples
Shopian:- After Leaf miners bug wreaked havoc in apple orchards of south Kashmir, a new pest has been spotted in different villages of Shopian district.
Orchardists from Zainapora hamlet of Shopian district said that spider mite has been reported from the Babapora, Awneera, Chermarg and its adjacent areas, causing damage to apple orchards.
Tanveer Ahmad, an orchardist from Awneera area said that the pest spider mite was first spotted in July this year but after spraying some insecticide, it was controlled but now again it has recurred.
He said that this time it has spread to many areas of the district thereby causing much distress among the apple cultivators.
Bashir Ahmad Mir, another orchardist said that they are clueless about the origin of this pest as this wasn’t being found earlier here.
He said that the leaf miner has been prevalent in the area for some time now, but the spider mite pest is new and authorities must take cognizance to find out the origin of the disease.
Growers said that they have apprehension that this disease may have the origin of Italy like leaf miner had as plants brought here from outside India aren’t being properly quarantined.
An official of the horticulture department said that a team of SKUAST-K and officials of the horticulture department have visited these areas where they have taken samples and further investigation has been taken up.
He said that such situations arise only when people aren’t following the advisories properly.
He said that the situation is under control and people need to follow advisories of the department in letter and spirit.
