Farmers fear for yield
Walnut trees in Raparin threatened by blight
RAPARIN – Farmers in Raparin’s Shawre Valley are facing a significant threat to walnut production this year due to a blight outbreak affecting walnut trees in the area. Local farmer Mohammed Baiz reported that all the walnut trees in the valley and surrounding mountainous regions are showing signs of the disease, which could drastically reduce this year’s walnut yield.
Mohammed Baiz told 964media, “All the walnut trees here are infected with a blight that causes black spots on the tree leaves and walnut shells.”
The Raparin Agricultural Directorate, upon inspecting the affected areas, identified the blight as a fungal infection, which has been exacerbated by the heavy and persistent rainfall this year. “The blight turns the walnuts completely black, which will significantly impact this year’s harvest. We anticipate a much lower yield compared to past years,” Baiz explained.
Although the blight is temporary and does not cause permanent damage to the trees, there is currently no treatment available for this season’s infection.
For further insights on the blight and its management, 964media consulted Khalid Qadir from the Agricultural Guidance Department of Bitwen. Qadir explained, “The blight is a fungal type that thrives during wet years and affects not only walnuts but also peaches, apricots, and greengages. High humidity levels can cause black spots to develop on both leaves and fruits.”
Qadir noted that this is not the first occurrence of this blight in the area; it has been seen in previous years as well. “The blight can be treated with specific fungicides, which should be applied at the beginning of spring to protect the trees. We encourage farmers to visit the Raparin Agricultural Directorate for guidance on the appropriate treatments for their trees,” he added.
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