06-08-2013, 04:57 PM
Studies on Powdery Mildews in Apple and its Intigrated Management
ABSTRACT
Apple is the principal temperate fruit crop in area, production and economic importance in district Doda. About 60% of the total availability of apple produce in India is being contributed by J&K state, and its industry in India in term of area, production and productivity has shown an increase of 20.6, 52.9 and 40.7%, respectively, from 1990-91 to 2005-06 with J&K showing a growth of 54, 75 and 12.8%. The availability of fresh apple exists in the market from the month of July to November depending on the variety and growing altitude. The majority of apple varieties in the state are late maturing (late August to late September) and are being attacked by a variety of pests and diseases and thus making the fruit less attractive with poor acceptability in the market by the consumer. Apple is the principal pome fruit crop, and J&K state is having the monopoly in the production of quality apple because of unique climate. Despite the initial heavy bearing, a sizeable apple production is neither fit for sale nor for human consumption causing heavy loss to the apple growers. The synchronization of suitable temperature for growth and flowering and emergence of various pests is the major obstacle in the quality production. The potential of apple crop in the state could not be harnessed so far because of severe infection/ infestation of various diseases and pests.