Bimonthly Pomegranate Advisory for Bearing Orchards (Feb-Mar 2022)

Dr. Jyotsana Sharma, Dr. Ashis Maithy, Dr. N V Singh, Dr. Mallikarjun, Dr.
Manjunatha N., Dr. Somnath Pokhare

I. Bahar: Mrig (i) May-Jun Crop regulation (ii) Late Mrig (July crop regulation)
STAGE OF THE ORCHARD: Rest Period Followed By Stress Period
A. Horticultural Practices:
 After harvest of previous season fruits, take medium to deep pruning (removal of criss
cross, diseased, broken and overcrowded branches).
 While pruning care should be taken to remove bacterial blight affected branches 2-3
inches below the stem canker.
 Pasting of cut ends of thick stems with 10% Bordeaux paste soon after pruning prevents
entry of latent infections during pruning.
 Pruned trees/rows should be sprayed with 1% Bordeaux mixture on the same evening
after pruning.
 Cleaning should be done by removing the fallen fruits, pruned plant debris etc.
B. Nutrient Management:
 Give basal dose of nutrition soon after harvest of previous season.
 Apply 20-25 kg FYM OR 13-15 kg FYM + 2 kg vermi-compost + 2 kg neem-cake per
plant OR 7.5 kg well decomposed poultry manures + 2 kg Neem-cake per plant.
 Apply 225-280 g N (490-610 g Urea); 63 g P2O5 (395 g SSP); 200 g K2O (335 g MOP);
488 g Ca (2.80 kg gypsum) and 80 g Mg (800 g MgSO4) per plant followed by light
irrigation.
 Note: These recommendations for N-P2O5-K2O are applicable if the leaf test report
reveals N-P2O5-K2O concentrations are within the optimum concentration range. If any
nutrient is below the optimum range, it is advised to increase the above recommendation
by 25%.
Optimum conc. Optimum conc.
Nutrients Nutrients
range in leaves range in leaves
Nitrogen (%) 1.32-2.15 Potassium (%) 1.29-1.99
Phosphorus (%) 0.18-0.24 Calcium (%) 0.64-1.20
Magnesium (%) 0.23-0.45

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 Application of bio formulations can be done 20 - 30 days after application of chemical
fertilizers. Apply any or combinations of following bio-formulation like Azospirillum sp.
@ 1 kg/acre OR Aspergillus niger AN27/IRAG07 @ 1 kg/acre OR Trichoderma viride
@ 1 kg/acre and Penicillium pinophilum @ 3 kg/acre (10 g/plant) after incubating
separately with 200-1000 kg well decomposed farmyard manure for 12 - 15 days under
shade maintaining 60 – 70 % moisture content in the mixture and alternate day stirring. In
about 15 days, these helpful bacteria/fungi grow in good population in the compost.
Before application, mix Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, AMF (Glomus intraradices syn.
Rhizophagus irregularis) @ 1 kg/acre in the bio formulation mixture and use this
enriched bio-formulation mixture for 300 plants.
C. Insect Pest Management:
 Many problems of insect pests and diseases aggravate if orchards are neglected during
rest period. Hence, regular monitoring should be done for stem borer, shot hole borer,
termites, mites, leaf eating caterpillars and Sucking pests (Mealy bugs, scale insects) etc.
Depending on insect pest observed, take 2-3 sprays at 15 to 20 days interval with any of
the insecticides mentioned below:
a. If low foliar insect pest infestation observed, spray only Azadirachtin/Neem oil @ 3
ml/L water.
b. If foliar pest infestation observed is high, take spray with any of these insecticides
Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC @ 0.5-0.75 ml/L OR Indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 0.75 ml/L
OR Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 0.75 ml/L OR Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 0.5
g/L water. Adhoc list of chemicals available on NRCP website may be referred for
target insect pests. See detailed advisory on shot/pin hole borer management in
pomegranate on the link given below.
c. Stem pasting should be done after fruit harvest with Red Soil Paste or 10% Bordeaux
Paste. Paste the all the main stems from ground level up to 2-3 feet depending on their
height.
d. Preparation for Stem Pasting: Make the paste by mixing Red soil 4 kg +
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 20 ml OR Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 20 g + Copper
Oxychloride (COC) 50% WP 25 g in 10 litres of water and paste on a stem up to 2-2.5
ft. from the bottom. Alternatively Bordeaux paste 1% with Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 20
ml OR Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG 20 g can be taken.
D. Disease Management:
 During rest period take following sprays at 10 - 15 days’ interval depending on climate
and individual crop problems: (i) 1% Bordeaux mixture OR Copper oxychloride 50%
WP @ 2.5 – 3 g/L + 0.25 ml/L spreader sticker OR Copper hydroxide 53.8% WP @ 2
g/L + 0.25 ml/L spreader sticker. One spray of 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
(Bronopol 95%) @ 0.5 g/L + 0.25 ml/L spreader sticker may be taken at 1 month
interval. Still if incidence of any fungal disease is observed high- one spray like
Mancozeb 75% WP @ 2 g/L + 0.25 ml/L spreader sticker OR any other appropriate
fungicide may be taken using fungicides mentioned in Adhoc list of agrochemicals
(https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/91.pdf).

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● Farmers facing the bacterial blight problems in the orchards should follow Stem
Solarization/Six step technology which is economical, eco-friendly and effective
technology for blight management. Please check the link for more details about this
technology. (https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/89.pdf).

II. Bahar: Hasta (Sep-Oct. Crop regulation)

STAGE OF THE ORCHARD: Fruit Maturity and Ripening
A. Horticultural Practices:
 There must be a proper staking or plant support system to support fruit laden branches.
 If early Hasta bahar has been taken; fruits may have attained full maturity. The fruits may
be harvested to avoid dropping and fungal spots. Delay in harvest may also lead to aril
quality deterioration or fruit cracking.
B. Nutrient Management:
 Three foliar applications of 00:52:34 (Mono-Potassium Phosphate) @ 5-6 g/L at 15-20
days interval should be taken for good fruit development and increasing the fruit size.
 Two foliar application of Manganese sulphate @ 6 g/L at 10-15 days interval.
 Fertigate with Urea @ 41.44-69.56 kg/ha/application; N:P:K::00:52:34 Mono-Potassium
Phosphate @ 22.20 kg/ha/application; and N:P:K::00:00:50 Potassium Sulphate @ 22.20
kg/ha/application. Give 8 applications at 7 days interval through irrigation.
C. Insect Pest Management:
 Fruit fly damage: If fruit fly damage is observed, Install 12 McPhail/water bottle
traps/ha with Torula yeast/Bactrocera dorsalis lure and replace the lure at 15-20 days’
interval.
 Fruit borer (egg stage): Take the spray with Azadirachtin/Neem oil 1% (10000 ppm)
@ 3 ml or Pongamia oil @ 3 ml/L water at 7-10 days’ interval.
 Damaged fruits/bored holes: Remove all the bored fruit and dispose them by burying
in pit and take a spray with any one of the insecticide. Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @
0.75 ml/L OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.75 ml/L OR Tolfenpyrad 15% EC @
0.75ml/L OR Flonicamid 50% WG @ 0.75-1.0 ml/L water.
 Southern stink bug: In egg stage spray Azadirachtin/Neem oil 1% (10000 ppm) @ 3
ml/L + Pongamia oil @ 3 ml/L water. If nymph and adult stage then spray
Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 0.75 ml/L OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.75
ml/L OR Spinetoram 12% SC @ 1.0 ml/L OR Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC @ 0.5-0.75
ml/L water.
 Mealy bugs/scale insect: Early infestation: Spray Azadirachtin/Neem oil 1% (10000
ppm) @ 3 ml/L + Pongamia oil @ 3 ml/L water. If the infestation is at the late stage,
spray Thiamethoxam 12.6 % + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC @ 0.75 ml/L water.
 Mite infestation: If mite infestation is observed at an early stage, take the spray with
Azadirachtin/Neem oil 1% (10000 ppm) @ 3 ml/L water. If the infestation is at a late
stage, take the spray with Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 1.5 ml/L OR Fenpyroximate 5% EC

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 @ 0.4 ml/L OR Spiromecifen 22.9% W/W SC @ 0.4 - 0.5 ml/L OR Phosalone 35% EC
@ 2 ml/L water.
D. Disease Management:
Disease management is given at the end of the advisory in Table 1

III. Bahar: Ambia (Jan-Feb. Crop Regulation)

STAGE OF THE ORCHARD: New Leaf Initiation to Early Fruit Set
A. Horticultural Practices:
 Watering should be properly regulated as per soil type to avoid excessive vegetative
growth.
B. Nutrient Management:
▪ During flowering:
i. Foliar application of Naphthyl Acetic Acid (NAA) @ 10 ppm OR formulation
with NAA 4.5% @ 22.5 ml/100 L water for better flowering and fruit set.
ii. Foliar application of micronutrient mixture @ 1.0-1.5 kg/ha.
iii. Fertigate N:P:K::00:52:34 Mono-Potassium Phosphate @ 11 kg/ha/application
and N:P:K::00:00:50 Potassium Sulphate @ 11 kg/ha/application - Give 7
applications at 7 days interval through irrigation.
iv. Apply Gypsum @ 1.14 kg/tree and MgSO4 @ 300 g/tree followed by thorough
mixing with the soil and watering.
▪ After completion of fruit setting:
i. Fertigate urea @ 13.70-23.13 kg/ha/application. Give 8 applications at 7 days
interval through irrigation.
ii. Fertigate N:P:K::00:52:34 Mono-Potassium Phosphate @ 11 kg/ha/application
and N:P2O5:K2O::00:00:50 Potassium Sulphate @ 11 kg/ha/application. Give one
application through irrigation.
iii. Foliar application of micronutrient mixture @ 1-2 kg/ha.
iv. Two foliar application of Gibberellic acid @ 50 ppm at 15 days interval.
C. Insect Pest Management:
 Vegetative stage/Flower bud/flowering initiation stage: Spray Azadirachtin/Neem
oil 1% (10000 ppm) @ 3 ml/L + Pongamia oil @ 3 ml/L OR Spinetoram 12% SC @
1.0 ml/L OR Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.5 ml/L + 0.25 ml/L spreader sticker.
 Fruit setting/development stage: Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 0.75 ml/L OR
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.75 ml/L OR Tolfenpyrad 15% EC @ 0.75-1.0 ml/L
OR Flonicamid 50% WG @ 0.75-1.0 ml/L + 0.25 ml/L of spreader sticker.

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  Mite: If mite infestation is observed at an early stage, take the spray with
Azadirachtin/Neem oil 1% (10000 ppm) @ 3 ml/L water. If the infestation is at late
stage, take the spray with Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 1.5 ml/L OR Spiromesifen 04-
0.5ml/L OR Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 0.4 ml/L OR Phosalone 35% EC @ 2 ml/L
water.
D. Disease Management:
Disease management is given Table 1

Table 1: Some promising fungicides for pomegranate fungal scab, spots and rots

1. Mandipropamid 23.4 % SC @ 1 ml/L. 9. Tricyclazole 18 % + Mancozeb 62 %

WP @ 2.5 g/L.
2. Metiram 55 % + Pyraclostrobin 5 % EC
@ 3 g /L. 10. Chlorothalonil 75 % WP @ 2 g/L.
3. Propiconazole 25 % EC @ 1 ml/L + 11. Fluopyram 17.7 % + Tebuconazole
Azoxystrobin 23 % SC @ 1 ml/L. 17.7 % w/w SC @ 1 ml/l
4. Azaoxystrobin 20 % + Difenoconazole 12. Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin
12.5 % SC @ 2 ml/L. 25 % w/w WG (75WG) @ 0.5g/L
5. Chlorothalonil 50 % + Metalazxyl M 13. Difenoconazole 25% EC @0.5-1.0
3.75 % @ 2 ml/L. ml/l
6. Bordeaux mixture @ 0.5%. 14. Carbendazim 50% WP @ 1.0g/l
7. Copper Oxychloride 45 % + 15. Mancozeb 75% WP @2g/l
Kasugamycin 5 % @ 2.5 g/L. 16. Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP @1g/l
8. Zineb 68 % + Hexaconazole 4 % WP @
2.5 g/L.

Note: Best results are obtained with 2 - 3 sprays starting at flowering and fruit setting stage at
10 - 14 days’ interval with any of the above. This will avoid several sprays at later stages.
Always use a spreader sticker with sprays except Bordeaux mixture. No fungicide should be
used more than 2 times in a season except copper fungicides.

Management of Diseases for all seasons

1. Spray During crop season for Bacterial blight (7-10 days interval)
Bordeaux mixture (0.5% except 1% just after pruning) altered with Streptocycline
(Streptomycin Sulphate 90% + Teracycline Hydrochloride 10%) @ 0.5 g/L OR 2-
bromo, 2-nitro propane-1, 3-diol (Bronopol 95%) @ 0.5 g/L + Copper oxychloride
OR Copper hydroxide @ 2-2.5 g/L + Spreader sticker @ 0.5 ml/L.
2. Depending on fungal problems present in the orchard Copper based formulations may
be replaced with appropriate fungicides.

Emergency Sprays for bacterial blight

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 3. Take 1-2 sprays at 4 day interval soon after blight infection seen on fruits in green
lemon stage:
4. Streptocycline (Streptomycin Sulphate 90% + Tetracycline Hydrochloride 10%) @
0.5 g/L + Bronopol (95-98%) @ 0.5 g/L + Copper hydroxide @ 2 g/L) + Spreader
sticker @ 0.5 ml/L.
5. Streptocycline (Streptomycin Sulphate 90% + Tetracycline Hydrochloride 10%) @
0.5 g/L + Bronopol (95-98 %) @ 0.5 g/L + Carbendazim @ 1 g/L + Spreader sticker
@ 0.5 ml/L.

PLEASE NOTE:As per order of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, dated
Dec. 22, 2021 Ban on manufacture of Streptomycin + Tetracycline in Agriculture
from Feb. 1, 2022 and Ban on Use from Jan 1, 2024

Precautions
• Take only need based sprays at recommended doses
• Reduce number of sprays.
• Take additional spray after the rains
• Use non-ionic spreader sticker except with Bordeaux mixture.
• Before every spray remove and burn all bacterial blight/rot affected fruits
• Prepare Bordeaux mixture fresh and use on the same day
• Take sprays in the evening.

a b c

d e f
Figure 2: Major Diseases in Pomegranate. a) Colletotricum fungal infection on fruits. b)
Sphaceloma fungal Scab. c) Cercospora Fungal fruit spots. d) Bacterial Blight e) Fungal
Wilt. f) Correct way of Drenching.

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General information on wilt management:
A. Fungal Wilt Management:
On observing first symptoms of wilt, first ascertain the cause/s that it is due to fungal
pathogens Ceratocystis, Fusarium, etc. Wilt due to Ceratocystis fungi is most destructive.
Identify the cause at first/initial symptoms of leaf yellowing. As soon as the first symptoms
are observed, check the roots of the affected branch. Remove and split open the roots; if deep
yellow/brown/grey colour and alcoholic/fruity smell is observed, the symptoms should be
attributed to Ceratocystis fungi. Sometimes, other root rot fungi like Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium
or Phytophthora, are also found to be associated with wilt.
1. Wilt due to Ceratocystis, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium Spp. Treat soil with only one of the
following most promising methods:
Method I:
● 1st drenching Propiconazole 25% EC @ 2 ml/L + Chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 2 ml/L
OR Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 1 - 1.5 g/L (Use 5 to 10 L solution/plant).
● After 30 days of first application 2nd soil application with Aspergillus niger AN 27
(New Packs have AN 27 with IRAG 07) fungus @ 5 g/plant with 2 Kg FYM/plant.
● 3rd application after 30 days of 2nd application - VAM fungus (Vesicular arbuscular
mycorrhizae - Rhizophagus irregularis @ 25 g/plant with 2 Kg FYM/plant).
OR
Method II:
● Propiconazole 25% EC @ 2 ml/L + Chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 2 ml/L (3 drenching
at 20 days interval).
OR
Method III:
● 1st and 3rd drenching Fosetyl Al 80% WP @ 6 g/plant (10 L solution); 2nd and 4th
drenching with Tebuconazole 25.9% w/w EC @ 3 ml/plant (10 L solution).
Drenching interval 20 days.
2. Phytophthora wilt:
In this type of wilt, crown rot at soil level is observed leading to sudden wilt of plant.
Drenching with Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% @ 2 - 2.5 g/L can be helpful in
controlling Phytophthora wilt.
NOTE:
● Prefer drenching soon after harvest, in the rest period or initial stage of crop regulation.
● For shot hole borer, chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 2 ml/L may be taken along with above in
first drenching.
● Drench affected plants and surrounding 4 - 5 plants where infected soil might have
spread.

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 ● For complete details about the method of drenching, please see Wilt advisory on NRCP
website.
E. Nematode Management:
If the orchard is known to have heavy nematode infestation (Can be confirmed by presence
of galls on the white root of the plant below the dripper. Please follow the root knot
nematode management practices given in the advisory.
1. The bio-control formulations (Aspergillus niger + Rhizophagus irregularis) used in
Method I, in fungal wilt management also reduces the infestation of root knot
nematode. Alternatively other promising bio formulations like Paecilomyces spp. OR
Pseudomonas spp. OR Trichoderma spp. may be added right from planting every 6
months in order to have sustainable nematode management. Application of these bio
agents should be done twice a year (once on start of rest period, second at crop
regulation) in the soil helps in improving nutrient uptake, plant growth and
biochemical resistance to diseases, and also checks pomegranate wilt.
2. If infestation is high, any of the following nematicide should be applied during rest
period or just before commencement of bahar in order to reduce the root knot
population below the damage threshold without any residue in the fruits.
● Farmers can either use the granular nematicide Fluensulfone 2% GR. In order to use
the granular nematicide, make a small pit (5 - 10 cm) under the dripper and apply the
granular chemical @ 10 gram per dripper (Maximum dose should not exceed 40
gram/plant); cover it with the soil and start watering.
● Drenching can also be done with another nematicide like fluopyrum 34.48 % SC @ 2
ml/plant. Plants should be sufficiently watered a day before drenching. Mix 2 ml of
the nematicide in 2 litre of water per plant and pour 500 ml per dripper (4
drippers/plant) or 1000 ml per dripper (2 drippers/plant).
Important Links for details:
For detailed information on management of diseases on Pomegranate in above crop
seasons/bahars, farmers are advised to use the following links:
● Adhoc list of chemicals: (https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/91.pdf)
● IDIPM Schedule: - (http://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/12.pdf )
● Stem Solarization/Six step to manage bacterial blight in pomegranate:
(https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/89.pdf)
● Wilt disease management: (https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/86.pdf)
● Shot/Pin hole borer management in pomegranate
(https://nrcpomegranate.icar.gov.in/files/Advisory/107.pdf)
● Bordeaux mixture and Bordeaux paste preparation: https://youtu.be/JXwWBDiUdyA