Agri-10 and BPI undertake joint post-entry monitoring of imported potato seedlings and tubers in Bukidnon province.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To reinforce the agency’s support for plant quarantine regulations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, in coordination with DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has jointly undertaken a post-entry monitoring of the imported potato seedlings and tubers planted in some areas of Bukidnon province on October 19-20.

The team visited and took random samples from Talakag, Lantapan, Malaybalay and Sumilao, where some farmers have benefitted from the provision of planting materials from the sustainable potato development program of DA and a private company, which were sourced from Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Said samples will be sent to the Central Post-Entry Quarantine Station in Los Baños, Laguna for analysis to ensure that the potato propagating materials are free from pests.

Further, to determine the occurrence of any pests, including potato warts that mainly appear on tubers that reduce yield and can make potatoes unmarketable.

The group on-site is composed of DA through the High Value Crops Development Program of the Field Operations Division, and BPI through its National Plant Quarantine Services Division.# (ACU/Photo supplied)