SHIMLA: The spread of Phytoplasma disease in cherry plants has left the farmers worried in Himachal Pradesh. Though the disease was observed in plants in June and July this year but no one cared initially as the farmers were unfamiliar with it.
A team of scientists in September had confirmed Phytoplasma which is a systemic disease and remains in the system of the cherry plants for lifelong and no chemical is fully effective against it. Recently the horticulture department convened a meeting to find ways and means to deal with the disease.
It is a rare disease in cherry which cannot be eradicated completely. She said that the spread of disease is very fast through vector (hopper) and no chemical is fully effective against it. As per the study the hopper has the capability to spread the disease within a radius of 4000 meter per year and if not controlled can destroy entire cherry growing areas of Baghi, Thanedar and Narkanda in next 5 years which is pegged at Rs 200 crore, therefore this situation is alarming.
