How to Protect Orchards from Fog: Suggestions by Horticulture Department
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Una, Dec 16: The winter fog in the plains of Himachal Pradesh poses a significant threat to orchards and crops, especially fruit plants like mango and papaya. Dr. K.K. Bhardwaj, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Una, has offered practical advice to safeguard crops from damage caused by fog. He emphasized that fog can rupture plant cells, causing fruit spoilage and flower shedding, ultimately affecting yield for years.
To protect plants from fog damage, Dr. Bhardwaj recommends:
1. Cover Young Plants: Use grass or straw to shield plants aged 4-5 years, leaving them open from the southwest to allow sunlight and air circulation.
2. Irrigation & Spraying: Keep the orchard well-irrigated and spray water on plants during foggy days.
3. Nutrient Management: Avoid nitrogen fertilizers in winter; instead, apply recommended amounts of potash to enhance plant resistance.
4. Nursery Care: Cover nurseries with grass or shade nets.
For fog-affected plants, prune damaged branches by late February, removing both dry and some green portions. After pruning, spray Copper Oxychloride (3 g/L of water) and apply Blitox or Bordeaux paste on cut sections. Once new leaves emerge, spray with a 0.5% urea solution (5 g/L of water).
Dr. Bhardwaj urged farmers to consult horticulture experts before setting up new orchards and avail benefits of the government’s Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme to mitigate financial losses.
