Nauni Varsity to Launch Awareness Drive on Alternaria and Marssonina Leaf Blotch in Apple

Eight teams will in the field from Feb 10-16 in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Mandi

Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, will launch a week-long awareness drive for the management of Alternaria leaf spot and Marssonina leaf blotch diseases in apple from February 10 to February 16, 2026.

The drive will be conducted in apple-growing areas identified as highly prone to these foliar diseases. In recent years, Alternaria and Marssonina leaf blotch have emerged as serious threats to apple production, causing premature defoliation, reduction in fruit size, and significant losses in yield and quality. The humid conditions prevalent in many orchards across the state favour the recurrence of these diseases. In the absence of timely scientific intervention, they tend to reappear season after season, adversely affecting orchard health and farm incomes.

To address this challenge, the university has constituted eight expert teams comprising scientists from the main campus at Nauni, Regional Horticultural Research and Training Stations at Mashobra, Bajaura and Sharbo (Kinnaur), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Shimla, Solan, Chamba and Kinnaur. These teams will conduct field visits, farmer interactions and on-site demonstrations to help growers identify early symptoms of the diseases and adopt recommended management practices, thereby reducing indiscriminate and ineffective use of chemical sprays. The main aim will be to break the cycle of these diseases.

District-wise Programme Details

Shimla District (Teams 1-4)

Team 1: Dr Usha Sharma (Team Leader), Dr Nagender Pal Butail, Dr V.G.S. Chandel

• Baghi, Ratnari & Kalbog – Feb 10, Chaithla & Dharonk – Feb 11, Mahasu & Halaila – Feb 12, Kyari & Khaneti – Feb 13, Barthata & Khatasu – Feb 14, Nandpur & Anu – Feb 15, Chajjpur & Dharmana – Feb 16

Team 2: Dr Sangita Sharma, Dr Upender Sharma, Dr Ajay Bragta

• Sheelghat & Nakrari – Feb 10, Tikker & Karchari – Feb 11, Bhaloon Kenchi & Banchuchh – Feb 12, Dalgaon & Buthara – Feb 13, Lower Koti & Munchara – Feb 14, Devidhar & Jangla – Feb 15, Telga & Sandasu – Feb 16

Team 3: Dr Neelam Kumari, Dr Kiran Thakur, Dr Tanuja Banshtu

• Chiyog & Tiyali – Feb 10, Sandhu & Shilaru – Feb 11, Guthan & Mahori – Feb 12, Deha & Madaog – Feb 13, Bumta & Matal – Feb 14, Khaddar & Chopal – Feb 15, Basadhar & Balag – Feb 16

Team 4: Dr Arti Shukla, Dr Gopal Singh, Dr Anurag Sharma

• Kandru & Bharana – Feb 10, Thanedhar & Khaneti – Feb 11, Pahral & Malendi – Feb 12, Oddi & Dib – Feb 13, Nankhari & Nagadhar – Feb 14, Khadahan & Adarsh Nagar – Feb 15, Tikker & Kholighat – Feb 16

Kinnaur District

Dr D.P. Bhandari, Dr Arun Negi, Dr Budhi Ram

• Nichar & Sungra – Feb 10, Bari & Ponda – Feb 11, Katgaon & Kafnoo – Feb 12, Kalpa & Roghi – Feb 13, Kamaroo & Themgarang – Feb 14, Ribba & Skibba – Feb 15

Chamba District

Dr Jaya Chaudhary, Dr Sushil Dhiman, Ms Neha Dhiman

• Bharmour – Feb 10, Holi – Feb 11 , Tissa – Feb 12, Sidhkund Maani – Feb 13, Salooni & Daand – Feb 14, Jassour Garh – Feb 15

Kullu District

Dr Joginder Singh, Dr Vijay Sharma, Dr Disha Thakur, Dr Kishore Sharma

• Garsa Valley – Feb 10, Manikaran Valley – Feb 11–12, Manali area – Feb 13, Banjar area-Feb 14–15

Mandi District

Dr Manish Thakur, Dr Kaushal Attri, Dr Manju Devi

• Sangalwara & Dheem Kataru – Feb 10, Janjehli & Tungadhar – Feb 11, Jhundi & Thunag – Feb 12, Murhag & Sharan – Feb 13, Karsog Valley – Feb 14, Churag Valley – Feb 15

These teams will also be accompanied by the horticulture department officials in their respective areas. The awareness drive aims to strengthen farmers’ knowledge of disease identification, preventive measures and scientifically recommended management practices, thereby ensuring sustainable apple production and improved livelihoods for orchardists across the state.