Uttar Pradesh Faces Guava Crop Crisis Due to Root-Knot Nematodes
Guava decline in UP: Knotty disease plays havoc with fruit crop, including in Badaun
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Guava crops in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Badaun, are suffering from a significant decline due to root-knot nematodes, which have worsened the long-standing guava wilt disease. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is implementing targeted interventions to combat this issue and stabilize production.
- 01Root-knot nematodes are severely impacting guava crops in Uttar Pradesh.
- 02Annual guava yield has dropped significantly, with losses of 15-45% in infected orchards.
- 03ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture is launching targeted interventions to address the crisis.
- 04Farmers are encouraged to seek support and guidance for managing infected orchards.
- 05The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture will cover treatment costs.
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Guava production in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Badaun district, is facing a crisis due to the spread of root-knot nematodes, which have aggravated the existing guava wilt disease. Scientists at the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow reported that these nematodes, introduced with the planting of Thai guava in nurseries, attack plant roots and disrupt nutrient supply, leading to significant crop losses. Last year's annual yield was 45-50 lakh tonnes, but this season, infected orchards are experiencing losses between 15% and 45%. In response, ICAR-CISH has initiated a targeted intervention under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to mitigate the disease in hotspot areas. This includes the adoption of severely affected orchards for long-term treatment and monitoring, as well as the use of nematicides and biological agents to reclaim infected nurseries. Farmers are encouraged to reach out for technical guidance and support, with treatment costs covered by the institute.
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The decline in guava production affects local farmers' livelihoods and the agricultural economy in Uttar Pradesh.
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