SOURCE: The Times of India
Consistent incidents of fog in the mornings for a prolonged are likely to impact the cashew and mango fruit setting process, say agriculture experts. This is especially worrying in the face of the late flowering season which was delayed due to unseasonal rain this month.
“After the last rain, there has been dry weather prevailing which has led to the initiation of flowering. Continuous fog incidents may however have an effect on the fruit setting on the mango crop,” said principal scientist, fruit science at ICAR-CCARI, AR Desai.
He further said that the cashew crop will be more affected by the continuous incidents of fog.
“There is a lot of difference between day and night temperatures. The contrast of lower night temperatures and high day temperatures will lead to a sudden exposure to heat in the day and cold at night. The flowers will not be able to withstand such extreme changes which may lead to them drying,” Desai said.
As a result, both the fruits will flower but its fruition may be delayed beyond the regular time which may affect production.
Despite the longer prevalence of fog incidents, if the management practices are good, the effect will be somewhat reduced. This entails properly supplementing the cashew and mango trees with nutrients.
“Immunity development is necessary to withstand the adverse weather patterns. There are mechanisms to ensure proper plantation of the crops. If the management practices are good, the impact of weather changes will be nullified,” Desai said. He added that any possibility of reduction in fog incidents may help with the mango and cashew flowering process.
This is the third year of unseasonal rain affecting the two cash crops and as a result, productivity is likely to be impacted