Srinagar: In a bid to protect apple orchards from pest infestations and ensure sustainable fruit production, the Directorate of Extension at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has issued an important advisory for apple growers across the region. The guidelines emphasize the safe and effective use of pesticides, highlighting dos and don’ts to prevent crop damage and promote healthy yields amid challenging climatic conditions.
Dos:
ü Purchase pesticides only from registered dealer(s) having valid license.
ü Check Batch No., Registration No., Manufacture /Expiry Date on the labels.
ü Always purchase with proper bill or invoice.
ü Read instructions on pesticide container label carefully before use.
ü Always use clean water for making pesticide suspension as per requirement.
ü Use protective clothing viz., hand gloves, face masks, aprons, etc. to cover whole body.
ü Use only the pesticide brands and doses recommended by SKUAST-Kashmir.
ü Spray pesticide during morning or evening hours.
ü Ensure adequate irrigation to alleviate moisture stress.
ü Employ grass mulch (4-6 inches) thick around tree canopy.
ü Apply 2nd dose of Fertilizer if not applied earlier.
Don’ts:
× Don’t use any agrochemical that is not recommended by SKUAST-Kashmir
× Avoid tank-mixing different agrochemicals
× Don’t use muddy or stagnant water for preparing pesticide suspension.
× Don’t prepare or spray pesticides without wearing protective clothing.
× Don’t use over or sub lethal dose of pesticide.
× Don’t spray during day time when temperature is high.
SKUAST-K issues advisory for apple growers
