THERE are no current infestation cases of Phytophthora palmivora disease in the durian plantations in Davao Region and the plantations are actually doing well, as per the Department of Agriculture (DA) Davao Region.
P. palmivora is a common disease caused by fungi and molds in durian plants. Although this may be alarming, DA Davao High Value Crops Development program coordinator Melani Provido this can be managed and their office had done specific interventions against this disease.
“We manage it by the use of semi-tolerant durian variety such as Puyat, pruning of the canopy of durian to make sure sunlight can still penetrate the area and promote air circulation, applying correct amount of fertilizer based on soil analysis, early monitoring, detection, and pruning of the disease,” said Provido.
She added that in the event that a tree is infected, they apply Alliete fungicide judiciously. They also see to it that the soil must be well-drained or must have an established drainage canal. An irrigation system in the farm is also necessary.
In the year 2017 alone, DA Davao Region had distributed 400,000 Puyat durian seedlings as a replacement and replenishment to the durian trees that were not able to survive the 2016 drought. These durian seedlings were distributed to different areas in the region and were able to cover 400 hectares of land area.
Still as a means of intervention against the disease and to answer further concerns of the industry, Provido said they conduct continuous training on production management and pest and disease control. In partnership with the Durian Industry Council of Davao City (DICDC) and the City Agriculture’s Office, a Durian Summit is already being prepared on the pipeline to be conducted within the year.