In Nilakottai, a region in India, grape farms covering an area of 243 hectares have experienced widespread 'fruit splitting' due to heavy rains in recent weeks.This phenomenon has affected local agriculture, as these grapes are distributed not only within Dindigul but also to other districts such as Madurai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Chennai, and even beyond state borders.
Continuous precipitation in the Kodai Road area and its surroundings has led to the formation of cracks on the grapes, causing some of the fruit to rot. Growers have been compelled to discard the affected grapes to salvage the remaining crop. K Thangapandi, a local grape farmer, reported that over 50% of his crop has been impacted by this issue, leading to significant losses.
An official from the Horticulture Department clarified that the cracking of fruits is due to over-absorption of water rather than a disease or disorder. The official also mentioned that a deficiency in micro-nutrients could exacerbate the problem, but it is expected to diminish as rainfall decreases. The department is advising farmers to adjust their fertilization practices to mitigate the effects on the growth of grapevines.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
