Unseasonal rain may destroy mango crop

Agriculture scientists believe that overcast conditions and mild rains in some parts of central and south Gujarat in the last two days might affect the mango crop adversely.

Experts say if the cloudy weather extends further,it may lead to powdery mildew,a kind of fungal disease or even bacterial diseases,on the crop. While fruiting has started at some places,at others,it is still in the flowering stage. In both the cases,such weather can adversely affect the crop.

K G Patel,in-charge registrar and a senior entomologist at Navsari Agriculture University (NAU),said the weather is favourable for increase of mango hopper population,which sucks the fruit,causing dropping of mangoes.

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In south Gujarat,according to him,Alphonso is highly susceptible to cloudy weather. Kesar,Alphonso and Rajapuri are the chief mango varieties grown in Valsad and other south Gujarat districts. He,however,said that the current weather is highly beneficial for wheat crop,which still has a few weeks to reach maturity. According to Patel,the favourable weather conditions will increase the productivity of wheat,particularly in north Gujarat,the wheat growing belt of the state. Mango farmers need not worry much because the current weather conditions caused by western disturbances are unlikely to continue after 48 hours.

Indian Meteorological Department director (Ahmedabad) Kamaljit Ray said that wind flow from east to west,which caused cloudy weather and light rains at some places in the state,will move in a day or two. It will not only clear the sky completely,but also bring back temperature to normal.

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