Ludhiana, July 19 (UNI) During the rainy season, heavy rains may sometimes cause stagnation of rain water in the orchards, especially in the low level fields. which could prove harmful to fruit trees.

Stating this here today Dr J S Bal and Dr J S Randhawa of the Department of Horticulture at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) informed that stagnation due to rain water for several days could prove detrimental to the orchard trees.This sometimes even affects the fully grown fruit trees.

Giving examples, the scientists said that mango trees cannot stand water logged conditions during its early years. Similarly, citrus plants are adversely affected under such conditions.

Although pear and guava are better adapted to wet conditions, yet prolonged stagnation can cause problems like foot rot in pear trees.

Suggesting certain remedial measures, the scientists advocated tilling the soil around the fruit trees after draining away the excess rain water. This improves aeration of soil and promotes growth of fruit trees.

They advised that dried ends of the branches along with 5-8 cm of livewood should be pruned. The cut ends that are thicker than 2-3 cm should be coated with bordeaux paste and the trees should be sprayed with bordeaux mixture.

Small doses of nitrogenous fertilizer can also be applied during this time of the year.

For the care of young fruit plants, the scientists suggested prompt draining of excess water, careful removal of stocksprouts every 10-15 days, proper staking of plants to help them grow upright, protection against hot sun and regular sprays of pesticides of recommended doses against insects and pests.

UNI