Pests, climate change affecting Guimaras mangoes

MANILA, Philippines — Pests and climate change are threatening the mango industry in the central island province of Guimaras, particularly in Nueva Valencia town, an online news site reported. The News Today (www.thenewstoday.info) reported Gov. Felipe Nava said the mango industry suffered a slump in the last four years, with Nueva Valencia first feeling its effects. “It is a kind of pest that is prevalent locally but it could not be determined yet on when the pest originated," he said. He said the scientific study is being made by the National Mango Research Development Council (NMRDC) to stop the infestation before the mango industry in the province would collapse. Guimaras mangoes are certified free of quarantine pests, mango seed weevil and mango pulp weevil, and is allowed entry in the United States, Australia, South Korea and other Asian countries. Aside from the pest infestation, the climatic change also contributed in the decrease of mango production, the report said. Nueva Valencia is considered as top producer of mangoes in the province, which is hoping to maintain the production of eight metric tons to nine metric tons this year. Previously, the province has recorded a total production of 12 MT. It dropped to 8 metric tons, said Nava. Nava said the decrease in the mango production has greatly affected the mango growers. He said he met with those involved in the mango industry on the outcome of the infestation and climatic change. Rains that occurred in the months of January and February contributed to less production, he added. He said the province will have a better view of the mango production come June and July. - GMANews.TV