Orchardists Advised To Spray Fungicide Before Rains

With weather forecasts predicting rainfall across Kashmir from April 18, horticulture experts have strongly advised orchardists to spray fungicides ahead of the rains to prevent scab and other fungal infections that threaten apple crops during wet conditions.

- Agencies

Experts said rainfall plays a key role in the spread of foliar diseases. “Moisture from rain wets leaf surfaces and creates an ideal environment for fungal infections to thrive. Rain also helps spores travel from one part of the tree to another and from plant to plant,” they said.

To minimise this risk, applying fungicides before rain can significantly reduce the chances of infection, they said, adding that if the plant is already coated with fungicide, it forms a protective barrier, reducing the likelihood of disease development.