Awareness Drive on Alternaria and Marssonina Leaf Blotch in Apple Begins Across Five Districts
To enhance awareness on the management of Alternaria leaf spot and Marssonina leaf blotch diseases in apple, eight scientific teams today launched a comprehensive awareness drive across major apple-growing areas of Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Mandi districts.
The teams comprise scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, along with experts from the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Stations at Mashobra, Bajaura and Sharbo (Kinnaur), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Shimla, Solan, Chamba and Kinnaur. Officials from the State Department of Horticulture are also collaborating in the field activities.
The awareness drives are being conducted between February 10 to 19 in apple-growing regions identified as highly prone to these foliar diseases. During the campaign, the teams are undertaking field visits, farmer interactions and on-site demonstrations to help orchardists identify early disease symptoms and adopt scientifically recommended management practices. The initiative aims to curb the indiscriminate and ineffective use of chemical sprays and break the disease cycle at the orchard level.
The drive seeks to strengthen farmers’ understanding of disease identification, preventive measures, and integrated management strategies, thereby promoting sustainable apple production and improving the livelihoods of orchardists across the state.
In Shimla district, four teams were active on Tuesday. One team visited Baghi, Ratnari and Kalbog, and will cover Chaithla and Dharonk on February 11. Another team covered Sheelghat and Nakrari, and will visit Tikker and Karchari on February 11. The third team visited Chiyog and Tiyali, and will cover Sandhu and Shilaru on February 11. The fourth team covered Kandru and Bharana, with Thanedhar and Khaneti scheduled for February 11.
In Kinnaur district, the teams covered Nichar and Sungra on Tuesday, while Bari and Ponda will be covered on February 11. In Chamba district, Bharmour was covered today, and the Holi area will be covered on Wednesday. In Kullu district, the team covered the Garsa Valley, with the Manikaran Valley scheduled for February 11–12. In Mandi district, the teams covered Sangalwara and Dheem Kataru, while Janjehli and Tungadhar will be visited on February 1
