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Apple Diseases Threaten Crops in Himachal, Read How to Deal With Them
Shimla-Apple scab and other foliar diseases threaten the apple crop in Himachal Pradesh and farmers in the apple growing areas have been advised to be vigilant. The Department of Plant Pathology of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry(UHF), Nauni, has issued an advisory for the management of Apple scab in Himachal.
Due to the rains in the first fortnight of May, high humidity conditions are prevailing in the state which makes it congenial for the spread of apple scab and other foliar diseases, the advisory said. The Department had proposed to organize 24 group meetings of farmers in the apple-growing districts of the state to create awareness about the disease management approaches to deal with these diseases in apple crops.
Due to the imposition of the Corona curfew, the process was halted, but the University has created two Whatsapp Groups – one of the representative farmers and another of Horticulture Extension Officers from the different districts- to communicate the advisory for the farmers to be followed during May-June, 2021. As the apple fruit is in the development stage, the farmers need to adopt the following recommendations.
Spray Schedule for Apple Crops Recommended for the Year 2021:
When the fruit is of walnut-size:
- The sprays of mancozeb @ 0.3% (600gm / 200L water) or propineb @ 0.3% (600gm / 200L water) or dodine @ 0.075% (150gm / 200L water) are recommended for the management of apple scab.
- Metiram 55% + pyraclostrobin 5% WG @ 0.1% (200gm / 200L water) or tebuconazole 8% + captan 32% SC@ 0.25% (500ml / 200L water) or fluxapyroxad 250g/l + pyraclostrobin 250g/l 500SC @ 0.01% (20ml / 200L water) are recommended for the management of premature leaf fall and Alternaria leaf spot in apple.
During fruit development (20 days after 4th spray)
- The sprays of propineb @ 0.3% (600gm/ 200L water) or zineb @ 0.3% (600gm / 200L water)are recommended for the management of apple scab.
- Tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG @ 0.04% (80gm/ 200L water) is recommended for the management of premature leaf fall.
- Carbendazim 25% + flusilazole 12.5% SC @ 0.08%(160ml/ 200L water) is recommended for the management of premature leaf fall and Alternaria leaf spot in apple.
The advisory further said that this year, two new fungicides namely Cursor 40%EC (flusilazole 40%EC@ 0.025%) (50ml/200L water) for apple scab at petal fall/ pea stage, and Lustre 37.5% SE (carbendazim 25% + flusilazole 12.5% [email protected]% (160ml / 200L water) for premature leaf fall and Alternaria leaf spot at petal fall/ pea stage and fruit development (20 days after 4th spray) have been added after evaluation.
Flusilazole is a fungicide with curative and preventative activity. It is a potent inhibitor of sporidial growth and acts by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis through direct inhibition of the 14α‐demethylation of ergosterol precursors. Carbendazim is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide with protective and curative action. It is taken and translocated within the plant as a result of which the latter become fungitoxic. It mainly acts by inhibiting the development of germ tubes, the formation of appressoria and the growth of mycelia.
The advisory said that the use of new combinations of fungicides exhibits systemic activity, provides protectant, curative and eradicant control, and both the fungicides in these combinations have different modes of action. Therefore, such a new combination can delay or prevent the build-up of resistance in the pathogen and can be effectively utilized as a promising preventive fungicide for the control of apple diseases.
The university said that it also receives queries from farmers regarding the mixing of different insecticides/fungicides with fertilizers. However, the scientists from the Department of Plant pathology do not recommend these as it can create an adverse impact on plants.
The university has advised farmers to email their queries regarding different diseases with 5-6representative photos to ho [email protected] or [email protected] so that these can be addressed by the department.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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