'Kurikong' disease threatens Philippine mango export

Cecid fly infestation threatens the yield of the supposedly "sweetest mango" in the world, even as Philippine government researchers are in the thick of finalizing their studies on how to address the problem caused by the bug.

Secretary William Dar has ordered Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina of the high-value crops program to aid in research and development initiatives which could address the Cecid fly or locally called "kurikong" infestation.

"Finalize the ideas immediately and start the projects in two weeks," he was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

"Together, let us save the Philippine mango industry, and maintain our distinction of producing the 'sweetest mango' in the world," he added.

The Cecid fly is a mosquito-like insect that lays its effs on the fruit surface and young mango leaves, where its larvae bore into the fruit and feed on it.

Such infestation is threatening Philippine mango production, which was recorded at 737,928 metric tons (MT) in 2019, equivalent to P24 billion.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that exports of fresh and dried mangoes amounted to $17.88 million last year, 4% higher than in 2018.

"Together, let us harness the power of science and technology to pro-actively cure 'kurikong' and other major concerns confronting our mango industry," said Dar. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG, GMA News