Optimal time for new fruit plantation

Recent rainfall and snowfall in the region have heightened the possibility of attaining adequate chilling hours for various temperate fruit crops in lower-altitude areas in the state. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, advises orchardists to capitalize on these optimum conditions by promptly initiating the planting of new fruit plants in their orchards.

University scientists have recommended that while planting new plants, orchardists must keep the graft union of the plant at least 20-25 cm above ground level along with ensuring proper root alignment. Additionally, the advisory also recommends the incorporation of 25 to 33 percent pollinators in varieties wherever needed. This period is also conducive to pruning fruit plants, with orchardists urged to complete this task in time and apply Bordeaux mixture to the pruned plants to avoid any possibility of infection.

Various apple, peach, and pomegranate varieties, along with clonal rootstocks of apples, are currently available for purchase at the nurseries of the Department of Fruit Science, Department of Seed Science and Model Farm, located at the main campus of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University. In addition, nursery plants of apple, plum, etc., are on sale at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kandaghat, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chamba, and Regional Horticultural Research and Training Stations in Mashobra, Bajaura, and Sharbo in Kinnaur. Orchardists interested in obtaining planting material can contact these stations. This year over 1.40 lakh plants of various fruits have already been sold from the different stations of the university.