Invasion of thrips on Hapus due to climate change

Ratnagiri : Climate change is continuously affecting the mango crop. At present, due to the infestation of thrips on flowering and fruiting, farmers have to take various measures to save the crop.

Anticipating the change in weather, insecticide spraying has to be done every 10 to 15 days. As pesticides are expensive, the cost is increasing significantly.

The economy of the district depends on the mango crop which has attracted not only local but also foreign citizens. Since the mango production in the district is declining day by day after the Phayan storm, it is affecting the farmers, and the financial condition of the farmers and in turn the district is getting damaged. This year the October heat was well felt as the amount of rain was less. So, as soon as the cold started in November, the mangoes started blooming. Unseasonal rains affected the flowering. In some places the bloom was damaged. However, in the second and third stages, the bloom is preserved.

Only 5 to 10 percent of the first blossom mango is left. In the second and third phase, there has been good flowering everywhere. In some places the fruiting is yet to take place, in some places there are corns, and in some places the mangoes are as big as a betel nut on the tree. This mango is likely to hit the market in March. Two weeks ago there was an outbreak of scabies. However, the horticulturists were able to control the infestation by taking appropriate measures; But due to the frequent outbreaks of Tudtudya, it has become difficult to control the farmers. Actually there should be a gap of 20 to 25 days between each spraying. However, since the insecticides do not have any effect, spraying has to be done after 10 to 15 days. So the cost has increased.

The effect of the fungal pest was increased due to rainy cloudy weather, measures have been taken to control the pest; But due to cloudy weather, cold weather, the incidence of thrips has increased now. Gardeners are forced to use expensive pesticides to control thrips. Although there are expensive pesticides in the market, it is important to control thrips on time. Costs of pesticides used to control the pest, thrips, thrips on mango are high. This has made the mango crop expensive for the growers.

Mango cultivation area – 66 thousand 433 hectares
Production – One to one and a half million tonnes
Annual turnover – 700 to 800 crores
This year the picture is satisfactory as the flowering is good. However, low temperature and unseasonal rain will be dangerous for the mango crop. Although the current picture is satisfactory, the actual picture of mangoes will be clear in February. Anticipating the change in climate, measures have to be taken to protect against blight, pests, thrips. – Anand Desai, Horticulturist.

Daily Ratnagiri Beware
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
(RNI NO. MAHMAR/2013/57411)
Official Register Newspaper
17:56 05-01-2024

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