Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The association of mango growers and the provincial government is on alert after a report of cecid fly infestation in Ilocos Norte.
Cecid fly resembles a bigger mosquito that attacks mango trees at night. They leave circular black marks on the mango fruit when they lay their eggs. Its larva soon goes inside the fruit and eventually destroying it.
To prevent its spread, Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos immediately approved the allocation of some funds to contain this mango disease that has been affecting the productivity of mango farmers in the Ilocos region.
Though the total amount was not publicly announced yet, Ricardo Tolentino, president of the Ilocos Norte Mango Growers Federation said they are thankful for the provincial government through the governor for responding immediately to their concern.
As of this posting, mango traders in Ilocos Norte are monitoring the possible entry of “kurikong”, a damage caused by cecid flies in green mangoes.
In previous years, kurikong has affected some parts of the province’s second district but the mango farmer’s vigilance contained it.
Mr. Tolentino reiterated to fellow mango growers that when they notice infestation, he advised farmers to gather all damaged mangoes and burn it.
“Please don’t bury them in soil because it’s where they came from,” said Mr. Tolentino as he explained the spread of the disease is very easy since it only takes five days when a cecid fly larva turns into adult.