FAISALABAD, Jul 20 (APP):The agriculture experts have advised citrus growers to adopt intensive orchard management during monsoon season and warned that negligence after rainfall could trigger leaf miner infestations and spread of citrus canker, posing a serious threat to fruit quality and production. A spokesman for agriculture (extension) department said that fresh vegetative growth emerging after rains was highly vulnerable to leaf miner attacks, which could later facilitate the development …
Citrus growers advised to improve orchard care during monsoon to prevent disease outbreaks
FAISALABAD, Jul 20 (APP):The agriculture experts have advised citrus growers to adopt intensive orchard management during monsoon season and warned that negligence after rainfall could trigger leaf miner infestations and spread of citrus canker, posing a serious threat to fruit quality and production.
A spokesman for agriculture (extension) department said that fresh vegetative growth emerging after rains was highly vulnerable to leaf miner attacks, which could later facilitate the development of citrus canker.
He urged orchard owners to remain vigilant and ensure timely crop protection measures to safeguard their orchards from disease and pest damage.
He said that citrus remained Pakistan’s leading fruit crop in terms of both cultivated area and production, with Punjab accounting for the bulk of national output.
He said that citrus orchards are currently passing through critical stages of vegetative growth, making proper management essential for healthy plant development and optimum fruit production.
He advised the growers to ensure appropriate irrigation so that plants did not suffer moisture stress during this important growth phase.
He also recommended the timely application of the third dose of nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen plant growth and improve resistance against insect pests and diseases.
He emphasized that balanced nutrition, adequate irrigation and regular field monitoring during the rainy season could significantly reduce disease incidence and enhance orchard productivity.
He further encouraged citrus growers to seek technical guidance from agriculture experts or the field staff of the Agriculture Extension Department whenever required, enabling them to adopt scientifically recommended orchard management practices and protect their crops from avoidable losses.
