Nauni Varsity to Resume Awareness Drive on Alternaria and Marssonina Leaf Blotch in Apple from February 17

The awareness drive on Alternaria leaf spot and Marssonina leaf blotch in apple will resume from February 17–19 across five districts of Himachal Pradesh. Eight teams from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, in collaboration with the  Horticulture Department, will conduct field-level programmes in different locations of Shimla, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts.

Earlier, between February 10–13, the university teams covered 54 locations across these districts, benefiting more than 2,500 farmers from several villages. The second phase of the drive will now intensify outreach efforts in identified apple-growing areas that are highly prone to these foliar diseases.

In recent years, Alternaria and Marssonina leaf blotch have emerged as serious threats to apple cultivation, leading to premature leaf fall, reduced fruit size, and significant losses in yield and quality. Humid orchard conditions across the state further favour the recurrence of these diseases. Without timely scientific management, the pathogens tend to persist season after season, adversely affecting orchard health and farm incomes.

During the drive, teams will undertake field visits, interactive sessions with farmers, and on-site demonstrations to help growers identify early symptoms and adopt scientifically recommended management practices. Special emphasis will be laid on breaking the disease cycle and discouraging indiscriminate and ineffective use of chemical sprays.