Srinagar, April 15 -- Experts said rainfall plays a key role in the spread of foliar diseases. "Moisture from rain wets leaf surfaces and creates an ideal environment for fungal infections to thrive. Rain also helps spores travel from one part of the tree to another and from plant to plant," they said.

To minimise this risk, applying fungicides before rain can significantly reduce the chances of infection, they said, adding that if the plant is already coated with fungicide, it forms a protective barrier, reducing the likelihood of disease development.

Dr Tariq Rasool, a senior scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), said, "Had there been no further rains forecast, there would be little n...