Lichens in Apple Orchards: Are They Harmful? – Social Prospective and Control Measures in Jumla, West Nepal

Abstract

This study attempts to document lichen species of apple orchards, and the social perspective and control measures on orchard lichens practiced by locals in Jumla, West Nepal. Four apple orchard sites were selected in two rural municipalities (Tatopani and Guthichaur). Field survey and key informant interviews were performed to collect data. Altogether 13 lichen taxa viz. Canoparmelia sp., Flavoparmelia caperata, Flavopunctelia flaventior, Heterodermia diademata, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, H. nepalensis, Parmotrema cetratum, Parmotrema sp. Pertusaria sp., Phaeophyscia sp., Pyxine sp., Usnea sp., and Xanthoria ulophyllodes were recorded. Epiphytic orchard lichens were considered as harmful, and the control measures included manual removal followed by application of limestone powder and blue vitriol solution once a year. Apple orchards supported to diverse lichen species providing suitable habitat, which may harbor pests of various kinds, and they may possibly harm apple plants. Further studies are in demand since the lichenological data is missing from agroecosystems in Nepal.