Fungus threatens Benguet strawberries

A fungus is threatening to spoil the strawberries at the famous strawberry farm in La Trinidad town in Benguet province.

 

The Fusarium Wilt or Anthracnose has caused the strawberries to dry up, according to a report by GMA Dagupan on Wednesday.

 

"Imbes na dumami ngayon yung production, kumaunti na kasi sa sakit ng strawberry gaya ng anthracnose," said strawberry farmer Angel de Caleng.

 

Anthracnose affects a host of plants including strawberries, environmental NGO PAN Germany's Online Information Service for Non-Chemical Pest Management in the Tropics said.

 

It said anthracnose disease attacks all plant parts at any growth stage, with the symptoms "most visible on leaves and ripe fruits."

 

"Infected fruit has small, watersoaked, sunken, circular spots that may increase in size up to 1.2 cm in diameter. As it ages, the center of an older spot becomes blackish and emits gelatinous pink spore masses," it added.

 

Another farmer, Jumy Buya, said the affected strawberries may have to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading.

 

On Wednesday morning, the farmers met with municipal agriculture office representatives to discuss the issue.

 

"Pero hindi naman malaki na mag-cost sa aming yield, kasi spot lang naman yun and it is attributed to climate change," senior agriculturist Nida Organo said.

 

The Municipal Agriculture Office said there is nothing to be alarmed about, adding the production of strawberries will not be affected, especially as the Strawberry Festival is approaching. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News