International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 257-266 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 261 risks. While some households diversify their crops, the majority remain exposed to market and climate fluctuations (Table 3). Table 3 Major crops grown by households Main crops Percentage (%) Apple 69.6 Wheat 26.7 Beans 23.21 Potato 8.9 Others 16.07 3.3 Perceptions and effects of climate change Table 4 reveals that climate change is a universally acknowledged concern in the region. All respondents (100%) reported experiencing both temperature rise and erratic rainfall, while 92.82% noticed reduced snowfall. Additionally, 37.5% observed an increase in hailstone events, and 23.21% experienced drought. These climatic changes have direct implications for agricultural cycles and productivity. Table 4 Climate change perceptions and observed changes Observed change Percentage (%) Temperature rise 100 Erratic rainfall 100 Reduced snowfall 92.82 Hailstone 37.5 Drought 23.21 3.4 Changes in crop calendar and yield All households (100%) reported changes in both the crop calendar and yield. Respondents noted shifts in planting and harvesting times, as well as unanimous yield reductions. These trends underscore how climate variability is impacting not only the timing but also the overall agricultural output, thereby threatening food and income security. 3.5 Pest and disease incidence The survey results (Table 5) revealed that major production constraints across apples, beans, and potatoes were primarily due to fungal diseases rather than insect pests. In apples, papery bark canker was identified as the most severe problem, reported by 64.1% of respondents, ranking first among constraints, while apple thrips (25.64%) and woolly aphids (10.26%) were comparatively less important. Similarly, bean production was largely affected by anthracnose (61.53%), which ranked first, followed by pod borer (38.46%) as a secondary issue. In the case of potatoes, late blight emerged as the most critical challenge, with 80% of farmers identifying it as a major problem, making it the most severe constraint among all crops studied. Grub infestation was noted by 20% of respondents, ranking second but comparatively less damaging. Overall, the interpretation indicates that fungal diseases such as late blight in potato, papery bark canker in apple, and anthracnose in beans pose greater threats to crop production than insect pests, highlighting the urgent need for effective disease management strategies. Table 5 Pest and disease incidence by crop Crop Major Pests/Diseases Percentage (%) of all respondents Ranking Apple Papery bark canker (Fungal Disease) 64.1 I Apple thrips 25.64 II Woolly aphids 10.26 III Beans Anthracnose 61.53 I Pod borer 38.46 II Potato Late blight 80 I Grub 20 II
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