By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it will consult experts from the United States to help eliminate insect infestation affecting local mango production.
In a news release, the DA said it is open to try products of a Florida-based biotechnology company.
“The Department of Agriculture will invite experts from Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC, a Florida-headquartered biotechnology company, to help eliminate Cecid fly infestation that undermines Philippine mango production and export,” the agency said.
The American firm plans to use “biological microbes” and “biological control agents” against Cecid flies which had already affected approximately 100,000 hectares of mango plantations in Palawan.
“The flies destroy up to 80% of mango fruits, with those affected showing brown scab-like spots. These pests usually start infesting mango trees shortly after flowering,” the DA added.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that he is also interested in products that can control fusarium wilt—a plant disease caused by a fungus resulting in discoloration and wilting—in bananas, abacas, and coconut trees which are all major agricultural exports of the country.
Meanwhile, DA Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro assured Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC that it will discuss clearance concerns with the Food and Drug Administration for the products. – avds
