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.