Principles of disease management in fruit crops

Abstract, International Clinical Pathology Journal, 2017

SK Thind, Punjab Agricultural University, India

India is the second largest producer of fruits in the world, contributing 10% of the total production. But, the total production is quite below (45.496million tons from 37.96million hectares) the requirements at the recommended dietary allowances of 90gm of fruits per capita per day as laid by Indian Council of Medical Research. Accordingly, 90million tones of fruits are required to feed the one billion population of India. Since, it is not possible to attain such a high target, as plant diseases are the major constraints in increasing the productivity of fruit crops. Huge pre–and post–harvest losses are caused by various fruit diseases and unfavorable environments leading to the total failure of the crops. Citrus decline, apple scab, mango malformation, guava wilt, fire blights, banana bunchy top and wilt, brown rots of stone fruits, crown galls, downy and powdery mildews are the destructive fruit diseases causing huge losses to the fruit industry worldwide.¹ Intensive agriculture provides greatest opportunities for the buildup of many new diseases and insect–pests. Plant protection mainly aims to attain maximum yield by keeping the crops healthy and preventing the losses occurring from diseases and insect–pests. The successful and profitable fruit industry largely depends on the adoption of improved scientific agricultural technology. A principle of plant disease management broadly includes preventive measures and curative measures that cure the plants suffering from diseases. But none of the control methods when applied individually provide satisfactory and effective disease control. Hence, Integrated Disease Management (IDM) is the complete solution of all the disease problems. This chapter describes the role and application of plant pathology to horticulture in managing diseases of fruit crops. The intended scientific information will be beneficial to the students, scientists, researchers, planners and extension personnel for better understanding of various plant protection methods. This better understanding will lead to boost the world fruit industry for prosperity.