Srinagar, Aug. 11 -- Srinagar- For Kashmir's apple growers, the prolonged spell of rain has brought both relief and worry. While adequate moisture can support fruit growth, the persistent wet conditions across South Kashmir are creating an environment conducive to fungal diseases, waterlogging and other problems in orchards.

Growers in several major apple-producing areas said they have begun noticing cases of secondary apple scab and other moisture-related symptoms following nearly two weeks of frequent rainfall.

The problem has been reported from Nagbal in Shopian, Dachnipora in Anantnag, Aharbal in Kulgam and Shadimarg in Pulwama, besides other fruit-growing pockets of Kashmir.

Farmers said the concern is not simply the amount of rai...