Pest and disease screening facility for sugar industry
“Fiji has inaugurated a new pest and disease screening facility for the sugar industry in Wairuku, Rakiraki. Commissioned by Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh, this center will play a crucial role in preventing the spread of harmful diseases that could devastate sugarcane crops. The facility, Fiji’s first dedicated solely to sugarcane, will not only screen for pests and diseases but also conduct soil tests and provide advisory services. Its aim is to safeguard crops and optimize sugarcane production.
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Fiji now has its own pest and disease screening facility for the sugar industry, thanks to an initiative by the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji.
It is located in Wairuku, Rakiraki and was commissioned by the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh last week.
Mr Singh said its critical to prevent the spread of diseases that can devastate sugarcane crops.
“Wairuku is a naturally isolated location with abundant scope for pest and disease screening,” he said.
“This pioneering center will help us eliminate any susceptible varieties from being released, thereby saving tonnes of cane, time, and energy.
“This is Fiji’s first research centre dedicated specifically to sugarcane pest and disease screening. Beyond screening for pests and diseases, the facility will conduct soil tests and offer extension and advisory services,” Mr Singh added.
He noted, through dedicated research, diseases like Fiji leaf gall disease have been minimised in Fiji.
WSource Link : https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/pest-and-disease-screening-facility-for-sugar-industry/
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