Introduction
A number of diseases infect the plants in the orchards, and affect the yield from them. A number of pests, which may be Fungi, Bacteria, viruses, insect, worms, etc, cause the diseases.
Some common examples of fungi are the apple Scab black knot, Peach Leaf Curl, etc. They mainly thrive in wet and cool conditions. However, the common fungi powdery Mildew can occur in dry conditions also.
The common examples of the bacteria that infect the plants are the Fireblight, Bacterial Canker, etc. Their rate of multiplication is very high, and therefore they spread quickly, once they occur in the orchard.
The common viruses that infect the plants are, the Stony Pit Virus, X-Disease etc. They spread at a lesser pace than the bacteria or other parasites. Infected plants show symptoms as shown by the nutrient deficient plant and therefore you cannot easily make out whether the plant is facing an infection or deficiency.
When these pests infect the plants, the health, growth, flowering as well as the fruiting of the plants is affected.
Therefore, prevention and cure of the diseases is very important thing to do in the orchard management.
Methods for the prevention
* While planting the trees select the disease resistant varieties. Plant them in proper conditions of soil, light, and water. This is important, as the healthy plants will show resistance to the diseases. Add fertilizers from time to time. In addition to the resistance, the weak plants release some chemicals, which attract the pests.
* If an infection occurs, then remove the branches where it has occurred. This is useful, as the infection will not spread if you do so.
* Some natural varieties of plants resist the pest to occur around them. Therefore planting them in the orchard is beneficial. However, some of them attract the pests therefore; you should not let them grow in the orchard.
* Prevent damage to the plants form the winter or the snow. The damaged parts are prone to infection.
Cure of the infected plants
* You should remove the platn if the disease has completely infected it.
* You can pick up the larger pests.
* If the fungi bacteria or viruses have affected the plants then for it a number of sprays are available in the market these days. They are of both types the natural and chemical. The natural sprays may be of substances that may be toxic for the pests or they may be some biological agents like parasites of the pests, which may kill them etc.
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