Snow alert for Kashmir orchardists: here is how to minimise damage to trees this week

Srinagar: As forecasted by Ziraat Times last week through its area-specific forecast, moderate to heavy wet snow is likely in many parts of Kashmir this week, which could pose a serious threat to fruit trees, especially apple trees, already in early bloom due to the unseasonal warmth.

Based on expert advice and traditional knowledge, Ziraat Times has compiled a list of measures that orchardists need to take as immediate preventive measures to minimize damage to their orchards. These measures are recommended considering the early warmth in February which has led to early maturity of trees for the spring season.

Past experience has shown wet snow can dangerous for apple trees in late February. Here is why.

1. Heavy weight: Wet snow is denser and heavier than dry snow, leading to branch breakage.

2. Frozen Blossoms: Apple and other fruit blossoms can freeze and die, reducing fruit yield.

3. Delayed Growth: Sudden snow after warmth can shock trees, affecting pollination and fruit setting.

4. Soil Damage: Excess moisture waterlogs roots, leading to root rot and reduced tree stability.

Urgent suggested measures for orchardists  in Kashmir this week

Pre-snowfall precautions

Prune weak branches – Remove weak, diseased, or overextended branches to prevent breakage. Do not prune excessively; only remove branches vulnerable to snow weight.

 Shake off early snow – If light snowfall begins, gently shake branches to prevent snow accumulation.

Stake young trees – Support newly planted and young trees with bamboo stakes or wooden poles to prevent bending or uprooting.

2. During Snowfall

Gently remove heavy snow – After each snowfall, use a long stick or broom to gently remove snow from branches. Start from the bottom and move upwards to avoid branch snapping.

3. Post-snowfall recovery measures

Act quickly – The first 24-48 hours after snowfall are critical for preventing lasting damage.

 Assess and cut broken branches – Remove damaged branches immediately to prevent disease. Apply Bordeaux Paste or Copper Oxychloride spray to cuts.

Mulch with organic material – Apply dry grass, leaves, or straw around tree bases to retain warmth and prevent sudden soil freezing.

 Foliar spray for blossom recovery – If temperatures rise post-snowfall, spray orchards with:

– Borax solution (0.5%) – Helps strengthen flowers and reduce blossom drop.

– Calcium Nitrate – Enhances fruit-setting potential after frost damage.

Inspect for root rot & diseases – After snow melts, check for waterlogging and fungal infections (e.g., Phytophthora Root Rot). Apply Fungicides if needed.

 Pollination assistance – If blossoms survive but pollinators are scarce, farmers can hand-pollinate flowers using a soft brush to ensure fruit setting.

Long-term preventive measures

 Choose late-blooming apple varieties – As climate change is real, try to plant varieties like Red Fuji, Granny Smith, or Lal Ambri, which bloom later and are less vulnerable to early snow.

 Install Orchard Covers – Use temporary plastic covers over young trees during extreme snow events.

 Improve soil drainage – Raised bed plantation and deep-drain channels help in preventing root suffocation due to excessive moisture.