Mortality of neem trees goes up in A.P.; scientists blame fungus, insect attack

Scientists of Dr. Y.S.R. Horticulture University (Dr.YSRHU), Venkataramannagudem in West Godavari district, have launched investigations after cases of increased mortality of Neem trees (Azadirachta Indica) were reported from many places in Andhra Pradesh recently.

Farmers and residents from various places complain that neem trees, including the decade-old ones, in fields and households were drying up and withering.

“We noticed the dried leaves and twigs when we went to collect flowers during the recent Ugadi festival. At some places, the flowers were dried up,” said Uma Devi, a resident of Vuyyuru in Krishna district.

“We had a neem tree in our compound for the last 10 years. It dried up slowly. Another neem tree at our neighbour’s house also died. We have no clue about the cause,” said Teja, an engineering student from Amalapuram.

Meanwhile, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticulture University (Dr.YSRHU), Venkataramannagudem said that a team of scientists launched investigations.

YSRHU Vice-Chancellor K. Dhanumjaya Rao said that five teams headed by principal scientists of the research stations conducted research on the issue. They found that neem trees are dying due to ‘dieback’ disease caused by the infestation of a fungus Phomopsis Azadirachtae and the Tea Mosquito Bug.

“The insects feed on the tender leaves of the tree. It affects the leaves, twigs, inflorescence and fruits at the top of the twigs. The infection spreads to the entire tree. Slowly, the leaves turn yellow and then brown. Finally, the tree dies,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

Discussions and virtual meetings were held with the scientists, programme coordinators, researchers on prevention and spread of the disease and protection of neem trees, Director of Research of the university, Ch. Ruth said.

YSRHU Director of Research G. Ramanandam said some trees are in a recoverable stage. “To control the infection, affected twigs and branches should be pruned up to 10cm to 15 cm below the dried-up area. The removed branches should be burnt immediately,” he said.

Curative measures

After pruning, fungicide Carbendazim (One gram per litre) and insecticide Profenophos (2ml per litre) should be sprayed on the entire canopy of the tree. Organic manure and neem cake should also be applied to improve the immunity of the tree, the Vice-Chancellor said.

“People, officers of Gram Panchayats, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are requested to alert the nearby horticulture colleges, research stations and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) if they notice drying of neem trees,” Dr. Dhanumjaya Rao said.