With mango orchards across Sri Sathya Sai district entering the flowering stage, farmers have been advised to exercise caution to prevent pest attacks and diseases that could adversely affect yields.
Speaking to the media here on Thursday, District Horticulture Officer G. Chandrasekhar observed that prevailing weather conditions remained conducive to the spread of powdery mildew, hoppers, and other sap-sucking pests. The field staff of the Horticulture department had intensified ground-level outreach to create awareness among mango growers and issue timely advisories, he said.
The official said that powdery mildew causes a greyish coating on flower stalks, leading to poor fruit set. He said that the field staff had chalked out an action plan to conduct a series of awareness camps for the mango growers, focusing on the methods and logistics to fight the pests.
Mr. Chandrasekhar cautioned the farmers to completely stop using pesticide sprays when 75 per cent of flowering occurred and pest incidence was absent to avoid unnecessary chemical use.
He also advised the farmers to maintain adequate soil moisture by providing light irrigation when required. “Timely preventive measures would help safeguard the crop and ensure better productivity this season,” he said.
