Srinagar: Scientists at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, have confirmed the presence of the Giant Soft Scale (Drosicha turkistanica) on poplar trees in parts of Kulgam and Pulwama districts, raising concerns over its potential spread to horticultural crops.
The pest was detected after reports of whitish, cottony growth on poplar trees. Its identity was later confirmed through molecular analysis by the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru.
According to MRCFC, infestations have been recorded in Nowpora, Kharpora, Utipora, Reshipora, Pahu and Banderpora, with some areas showing infestation levels of up to 90 per cent in both nurseries and mature plantations.
Scientists said affected trees show dense white cottony masses on branches and buds, honeydew secretion, black sooty mould on leaves, yellowing, premature leaf fall, branch dieback and, in severe cases, tree mortality.
The pest has also been observed on willow and chinar trees. Researchers warned that scientific literature identifies a wider host range, including apple, peach, fig and pine, raising concerns about its possible impact on Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
Farmers have reported foul odour, heavy infestations and insects being carried by wind into nearby homes. Attempts to control the pest through contact insecticides have reportedly yielded limited success.
MRCFC has advised farmers, nursery owners and plantation managers to regularly inspect poplar and other susceptible plants for cottony insect masses and related symptoms and seek expert guidance before undertaking any control measures. The centre has cautioned against indiscriminate pesticide use.
Scientists have also recommended systematic mapping and monitoring of affected areas and coordinated surveillance across agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors to assess the pest’s spread and contain further infestation.
