Alternaria disease returns to upper Shimla apple belt
Apple growers in the Shimla region are facing a severe outbreak of Alternaria disease, which is causing premature leaf fall and significant crop losses. Farmers are questioning the efficacy of current fungicides and calling for research into potential new strains of the fungus.
Why it matters
The decline of apple crops threatens the economic stability of the Shimla region and highlights the challenges of agricultural disease management in changing climates.
Alternaria is spreading rapidly across the upper Shimla apple belt, causing premature leaf fall in orchards and resulting in significant losses to the fruit crop. “The disease has become particularly rampant at lower elevations, especially in areas experiencing high temperatures and humidity,” said Usha Sharma, Head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shimla.Repeated outbreaks over the past few years have left growers frustrated, with many questioning why the fungal disease had become increasingly difficult to control. “Our scientists managed to bring apple scab, a far more serious fungal disease, under control in the 1980s, when research was limited and far fewer fungicides were available.
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