Avocado Crops in Chitwan Hit by Severe Canker Disease, Threatening Farmers' Livelihoods

Chitwan. Farmers in various areas of Chitwan district are facing serious problems after a severe type of disease infection was recently observed in commercially grown avocado crops. The 'canker' or lesion-like disease has spread across avocado orchards in both the eastern and western regions of the district.

According to the Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan, this is a strange and fatal problem seen for the first time in the district, which appears to put the rapidly growing avocado cultivation in jeopardy. According to Swastika Chauhan, Horticulture Development Officer at the office, this disease is mainly caused by a fungal infection.

She informed that a detailed study is underway regarding the nature of this disease and its impact, and samples have been sent for further testing. Preliminary studies have confirmed that the disease is caused by a bacterium named 'Phytophthora megnadyria'. This bacterium spreads rapidly from one plant to another, primarily through soil and water.

The symptoms seen in infected plants initially include wilting and dying of branches, with a risk that the entire plant may eventually dry up. The main identification signs are the appearance of wounds and lesions on the trunk and branches of the plant. Upon observing such problems, agricultural technicians have urged farmers to exercise extreme caution.

It has been advised to avoid accumulating water directly at the base of the plant while irrigating the orchard and to take precautions to prevent injury to the plant. Technicians state that if wounds or lesions appear on the plant, 'Bordeaux paste' should be applied immediately, and appropriate fungicides must be used to control the disease.

Although avocado cultivation in Chitwan is relatively new, its commercial expansion was happening rapidly. Currently, this cultivation has spread across approximately 6.5 hectares in the district, with statistics showing an annual production of up to 51 metric tons. However, with such an infectious disease appearing at the beginning, farmers are terrified by the fear of a sharp decline in production and the loss of their investment.

The Agriculture Office has informed farmers to seek technical consultation, as the plant can be saved from this disease if attention is paid to regular orchard cleaning and irrigation management.