Severe cold hits Mandi fruit plants; local gardeners on receiving end

Mandi: Harsh cold and fog have hit the Mandi district, causing substantial stress to fruit plants. Therefore, local gardeners are on the receiving end. Deputy Director of Horticulture Sanjay Gupta shared these warnings on Tuesday and urged farmers to take preventive steps to protect their crops during this harsh winter.

Extreme cold and prolonged fog can damage fruit plants by causing plant cells to burst, leading to issues such as poor fruit production, premature flower drop, and rotting of existing fruits. Foggy conditions also stunt plant growth, reducing flower and fruit yields in the following season.

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The district is also facing drought-like conditions due to a lack of rainfall, worsening the situation. To help gardeners, the Horticulture Department has suggested the following measures: Choose fruit plant varieties that naturally resist fog. Cover small plants with sarkanda grass, dry corn stalks, or gunny sacks, keeping the southeast side open for sunlight and air circulation. Light irrigation and water spraying during foggy periods can increase the temperature by 1–2°C.

Burn dry leaves, grass, or plant waste in the evening to warm up orchards. Use nylon shade nets (50% shade) to reduce fog impact. Apply potash to enhance plants’ resistance to cold and fog. Coat tree stems up to 2.5 feet high with Bordeaux paste or copper oxychloride. These protective steps can help minimize damage, ensuring healthier plants and better yields.