Q1. On what topics Krishi Vigyan Kendra provide trainings to the farmers?

Ans. One of the mandate of Krishi Vigyan Kendra is to provide trainings to farmers on all the topics related to agriculture or horticulture like production technology of different fruits & vegetable crops, seed production of different crops, integrated insect-pest management, soil testing, integrated nutrient management, bee-keeping, mushroom production, nursery raising of fruits & vegetables etc. These trainings are conducted both on-campus and off-campus as per the need of the farmers.

Q2. What should be the proportion of pollinizing varieties in an apple orchard?

Ans: The proportion of pollinizing varieties in an apple orchard should be 33 per cent. At least three pollinizing varieties should be there and should be a combination of early, mid and late varieties.

Q3. The shoots/twigs/branches of my apple tree are covered with a grey-coloured crusty growth. Is it harmful?

Ans: No, this is a harmless lichen. A build up of lichen near the shoot tips can suggest your apple tree is low in vigour. In which case, concentrate on some winter pruning and spring/summer feeding to promote more active growth.

Q4. What is the white powdery growth present on the leaves of apple tree and method to manage it?

Ans: This is the disease called powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera leucotricha. Heavy infection can reduce the vigour of the tree. Spray of wettable sulphur (400-600g/200L) or karathane (100ml/200L) or carbendazim (100ml/200L) is recommended during petal fall stage and 15 days after petal fall depending upon the severity of the disease. Infected twigs can be removed and destroyed during summer pruning.

Q5. What is the cause of death of apple plants? When dug open, the roots were found soft and brown.

Ans: It is a disease named white root rot caused by fungus Dematophora necatrix. During dormant season, damaged roots should be pruned followed by the application of paste. During rainy season, atleast three drenching of carbedazim (200g/200L) or aureofungin (100g) + copper sulphate (100g/200L) can manage the disease.

Q6. Some fruits in my apple orchard drop down during June-July. What is the possible reason?

Ans: It is a natural process of apple trees called "June Drop" to thin itself to drop excess fruits. It may also be due to water stress for which mulching should be done during April-May.

Q7. Which vegetables can be intercropped in an apple orchard?

Ans: The vegetables which can be intercropped in an apple orchard are: pea, potato, turmeric, beans, garlic, onion, cole crops etc.

Q8. What are the seed/ planting material supplied by the KVK and when these are available?

Ans: The seed/ planting material provided by the KVK include:

Apple nursery- During first week of January
Bud wood of apple- In the month of Feburary
Vegetable nursery of selected crops- as per their season

 

Q9. What precautions should be taken while purchasing seeds from the market?

Ans: A farmer should carefully notice the colour of seed tag along with the information described on it like: name of the variety, date of packing etc. while purchasing seed from the market.

Q10. What are the publications released by your KVK for spreading awareness among the farmers?

Ans: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohru publish a magazine named ‘Krishi Vani’. It is a hindi magazine and published twice a year. Besides, KVK also publish booklets and pamphlets time to time for spreading awareness on different topics of agriculture among the farmers.