Neem Trees Under Threat Once Again!

Neem trees are known for their antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities, and serving as a first-line defense mechanism for people still, neem plants suffering under severe fungal infection made headlines last year.

One year ago, the neem trees in Telangana and some other adjoining states faced severe fungal infection. And exactly one year later, they are again under fungal attack. The fungal infestation is seriously harming neem trees in various regions of the state.

However, the infestation this year is low as compared to last year.

Trees are fighting back, bringing hope to the Telugu-speaking community who celebrate the Telugu New Year, or "Ugadi," on March 22, 2023, with a beverage that features neem flowers as a key component.

A high-level committee of plant pathologists, agronomists and entomologists has been formed by Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in response to reports of fungal attacks on neem trees coming from various areas of the state to investigate and work on the outbreak and recommend solutions to farmers.

As per the media sources, R Jagadeeswar, Director of Research at PJTSAU talked about the infected neem plants displaying signs and symptoms including wilting and drying of the whole plant, drying of twigs and gummosis (excessive production and pouring out of gum in a diseased plant) during August and September 2022 because of the excessive rainfall and high humidity.

He further stated that the damage is far less than one-third of what they experienced the prior year. They can see green leaves springing from twigs and branches, so it is under control, he remarked.

The disease, which was first discovered in the Gadwal district last year, spread rapidly throughout the state, sparing almost no neem trees. What shocked people the most was that even after spacing the trees 100 meters apart still the infection was seen. Over ten diseases were found by the university on the diseased trees. Dating 30 years back, the incident was initially reported in Dehradun.

Farmers are being urged to spray carbendazim (one gram per litre) or use mancozeb with carbendazim (2.5 gm per litre) on the affected areas to lessen wilting and dryness.