SRINAGAR Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir on Monday issued an advisory for the orchards affected by the snowfall elaborating a number of steps for the growers to protect the produce from damages.
As per the advisory, growers have been asked to drain out excess water from the orchards by making drainage channels. If the fruit trees have tilted, reduce the canopy load by pruning and provide proper support to the plants, the advisory reads.
Growers have been advised to slowly pull back the trees to the original position after heavy pruning and provide proper support/staking to the main trunk to prevent further fall/ movement, if the trees are partially uprooted.
If the top portion of the tree is broken, slantingly cut the damaged branch 2-3 inches below the broken point and apply Bordeaux /Chaubatia paste on the cut surface, the advisory said.
Further, if any scaffold branch is broken and bark is still intact, bring the branch to the original position by tying with a rope and/or using stainless steel nails. Ensure that the union remains tight and apply Bordeaux/Chaubatia paste on the cut surface.
It says if the main trunk is split into two or three parts it can be treated the same way as aforementioned.
Moreover, if roots have become exposed/naked, immediately cover the roots with soil to avoid further damage.
According to the advisory, fruits still on the tree be harvested immediately for sale/storage.
Clear the snow fallen on heaped harvested fruit in orchards and store the fruits under proper cover (in sheds) to prevent it from frost injury.
Maintain orchard sanitation by removing debris and damaged plant parts and collecting fallen fruits, leaves and twigs and dispose of them by burying/composting, the advisory added.
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