States » NorthPosted at: Jun 28 2025 12:22AM


Beetle infestation attacks apple and stone fruit orchards in Himachal

Solan, June 27 (UNI) Alarmed by recent reports concerning the infestation of beetles in apple and other stone fruits, the scientists of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni have issued an advisory for effective management of the insects.
c
University scientists have released an advisory to effectively manage this pest.
Scrub beetles pose a serious threat to horticultural and field crops in many agro-climatic regions. Managing these pests effectively requires a holistic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that combines cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods tailored to pest biology and local conditions.·
Scientists suggested that cultural practices like fields with a history of infestation should be ploughed repeatedly during April–May or September. Tillage disturbs the soil and exposes grubs to natural predators such as birds and can be manually collected to reduce pest population. Care must be taken that only fully decomposed farm yard manure is applied in the field which discourages grub development and supports the growth of beneficial soil organisms.
The adult beetles usually come to feed on the foliage and fruits during the dusk period, usually after 8:00 PM. The beetles may be collected by shaking the branches of the trees and then by spreading a cloth beneath the tree canopy. The beetles can be dipped in Kerosene (5%) mixed water. Light traps are primarily used for monitoring purposes. These traps should be installed in open areas to maximize attraction and population reduction. Mass collection campaigns should be started after summer rains. The farmers who are practicing natural farming can also spray Agniastr, Brahmastr and Dashparniark (3 liter/ 100 liter water) for three continuous days to reduce the infestation of beetles.
UNI AK SSP
Tags: #Beetle infestation attacks apple and stone fruit orchards in Himachal
More News

‘Op Conviction’: UP govt secures punishment in 457 cases under 3 new criminal laws

28 Jun 2025 | 2:44 PM

Lucknow, June 28 (UNI) Backed by a zero-tolerance policy on crime, the Uttar Pradesh government's ‘Operation Conviction’ has secured over 97,000 convictions in just one year. The swift implementation of three new criminal laws and fast-tracking of 457 key cases have further bolstered this drive.

see more..
Court denies bail to man accused of raping 70-year-old tourist in Pahalgam

Court denies bail to man accused of raping 70-year-old tourist in Pahalgam

28 Jun 2025 | 2:42 PM

Srinagar, June 28 (UNI) A local court in south Kashmir’s Anantnag on Friday rejected the bail application of a man accused of raping a 70-year-old tourist from Maharashtra at the popular resort town of Pahalgam over three months ago.

see more..
Op Sindoor: Army felicitates 25 civilians for exemplary contribution in Rajouri

Op Sindoor: Army felicitates 25 civilians for exemplary contribution in Rajouri

28 Jun 2025 | 2:29 PM

Jammu, June 28 (UNI) The Indian Army today felicitated 25 civilians for their exemplary contribution during Operation Sindoor in the bordering Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

see more..
Drug smugglers arrested with poppy straw, heroin in Udhampur, Jammu

Drug smugglers arrested with poppy straw, heroin in Udhampur, Jammu

28 Jun 2025 | 2:18 PM

Jammu, June 28 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two narcotic smugglers with contraband of poppy straw and heroin in Udhampur and Jammu districts.

see more..
J&K: Jammu Police, Forest Department foil smuggling of Khair Wood

J&K: Jammu Police, Forest Department foil smuggling of Khair Wood

28 Jun 2025 | 2:11 PM

Jammu, June 28 (UNI) Jammu Police today said that they have foiled a bid to smuggle Khair Wood in the Bhalwal area here in the city outskirts.

see more..