Srinagar, Sept 24: J&K Cold Storages Association (JKPICCA) has sounded alarm about a newly-found disease among certain types of apples that may affect their shelf life during storage period and also impact other healthy apples.
In a notification issued to its constituent units and apple growers today on September 24, a copy of which has been made available to Ziraat Times, the Association, has said that some disease/disorder has occurred during current year’s harvest of apples, which, after consulting the experts, appears to be “Bitter Pit” disease.
“Since such disease/disorder has not been reported in past and no such data is available with us that can substantiate the adverse effect of this disease/disorder on the shelf life of affected fruit, it is advised to sort and separate the produce containing Bitter Pit (as shown in the pictures below)”, the Association said in the notification, adding that as the consequences of this disease/disorder during storage period is not known to us it is better to avoid storage of this effected produce.”
While apple growers, traders and cold storage units have already been reeling under the unfavorable market conditions for apples this year, the mergence of this latest disease and its impact on storage potential may only add further difficulties for the sector.
When contacted, a senior scientist at SKUAST Kashmir, said that the concerned departments of the university will look into it and try to determine the root cause and potential remedies for this disorder. “As of now we can’t say anything with certainty”, he said requesting not to be quoted.
