The Department of Agriculture is arranging for experts from Florida-based biotechnology firm Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC to help eradicate the Cecid fly infestation.
The Department of Agriculture will invite experts from the Florida-based biotechnology company Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC to assist in eradicating the Cecid fly infestation that threatens Philippine mango exports and production.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P, the DA is open to testing Sun & Earth's products. Tiu Laurel, Jr. The company's CEO, Guillermo William Vazquez, previously assisted in managing fusarium wilt in bananas, a fungus that causes discoloration and wilting, before ultimately killing the plant.
Products that combat fusarium wilt, which damages coconut, abaca, and banana trees — all significant agricultural exports from the Philippines — are also of interest to Sec. Tiu Laurel. Additionally, he expressed interest in the rice bug solution offered by the American company.
Sun & Earth intends to apply biological bacteria that have been proven effective in combating insects in Venezuela, Vietnam, and Columbia to the Cecid fly problem in Palawan, which has impacted the production of mangos on about 100,000 hectares of orchards. The American biotechnology company paralyzes Cecid flies using biological control agents as well.
The flies destroy up to 80% of mango fruits, and those afflicted develop brown, scab-like patches. Mango trees are typically infested by these parasites soon after they flower. Although Sun & Earth had concerns over FDA certifications for its customized products, DA Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro stated the agency would talk to the FDA about the issue.
