Pest management research conducted in avocado farms under Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund

June 2

 

UNDER the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund, a one-year pest management research project is being undertaken on some avocado farms in Mandalay Region, said U Myo Nyunt, vice-chair of the Myanmar Avocado Producer and Exporter Association.

 

This pest management research commenced in cooperation with the experts from the Plant Protection Division under the Department of Agriculture of Myanmar. Insect traps were utilized in avocado farms from the first week of May. Herbivores and other insects are found.

 

The project is implemented on two farms each in PyinOoLwin Township in Mandalay Region, Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State and Taunggyi Township in southern Shan State. Pest monitoring is carried out in those six farms with insect trapping.

 

“Insect herbivores are mostly caught in traps for now. We will monitor which season attracts more herbivores and which season is vulnerable to them. We will make research on pest control. We will figure out the pest population with insect trapping throughout the year. Unless there is a destructive fruit disease, the fruit can be exported. We need to remove the insects every 15 days. The trapped insects are sent to the Plant Protection Division (Yangon) for laboratory tests to identify pest type and population. The pest collection is firstly done. Then, we will analyze them for pest control,” he elaborated.

 

Pest management research will check the pests in avocado farms if they are destructive or not. It will find ways to control and remove them. This plan is crucial for export markets including China’s market. It will help the farm meet international standards as well. Thus, the Department of Agriculture and Myanmar Avocado Producer and Exporter Association are working together on it. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House)/ GNLM