Controlling plant quarantine pests on dragon fruit plants.

Following recent warnings from China about plant quarantine pests in some growing areas of Binh Thuan province, the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection has implemented a model for controlling plant quarantine pests on dragon fruit plants.

Plant quarantine subjects

In Vietnam, the majority of fruits, including dragon fruit, longan, rambutan, mango, jackfruit, and bananas, are exported to China. In previous years, agricultural exports to China were relatively easygoing, not requiring production according to VietGAP or GlobalGAP standards. However, this market is increasingly imposing technical barriers, making it difficult to export fruits, including dragon fruit from Binh Thuan province.

Setting traps in Mr. Suyen's dragon fruit orchard. Photo: N. Lan

Notably, both fruit flies and mealybugs are currently subject to plant quarantine regulations in China. Fruit flies cause damage year-round, with the most severe outbreaks occurring from May to September on many fruit and vegetable crops such as gourds, bitter melons, and chili peppers. According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, since the beginning of 2024, the Plant Protection Department has issued three documents to the Binh Thuan Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, notifying them of violations by some growing areas and packaging facilities regarding contamination with plant quarantine pests when exporting to the Chinese market. Therefore, under the assignment of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in 2024 the Department implemented two models for controlling plant quarantine pests on dragon fruit. The participating households are Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Suyen from Song Phan commune, Ham Tan district, and Mr. Huynh Canh from Ham Cuong commune, Ham Thuan Nam district, with each model covering 1 hectare.

The model will be implemented from July to November 2024.

The project will be implemented from July to November 2024. Its purpose is to encourage farmers to change their perceptions regarding clean, safe, and sustainable production, meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of the agricultural export market, including the province's flagship product, dragon fruit. According to Mr. Le Huu Nhiem, a technical officer at the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, during the implementation of the model, the department assigns technical officers to regularly inspect, monitor, and track the crops one day a week and record data. Participating households directly inspect, care for, fertilize, and control pests and diseases according to the technical officers' instructions.

Diverse control methods

Sharing his experience with the model's effectiveness, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Suyen from Song Phan commune, Ham Tan district, said: Before implementing the model, farmers in the commune received training and technical transfer from the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection. Through this, they were provided with basic knowledge and techniques on how to control plant quarantine pests from China affecting dragon fruit. This contributed to raising awareness, diversifying control methods, and eradicating mealybugs and fruit flies, thus protecting the crops of the people.

Accordingly, some physical and mechanical measures to control fruit flies include farmers collecting fallen and rotten fruit on the trees, placing them in tightly sealed plastic bags, and burying or burning them in pits. Regarding cultivation, avoid intercropping with co-host plants such as guava, papaya, plum, star fruit, and mango, as these are excellent sources of infestation and habitat for fruit flies. In addition, farmers should use cultivation traps by planting basil or purple basil in a corner of the garden as a trap to attract and kill male flies. Furthermore, bagging the fruit is a measure to prevent fruit fly attacks. This measure should be implemented from the time the young fruit forms until harvest using specialized bags…

Regarding mealybug infestations in dragon fruit, farmers should regularly clean their fields, collect and destroy plant debris around the base of the dragon fruit plants, prune diseased branches, and clear away weeds. In addition, adequate watering and fertilization are essential to limit mealybug growth. Using a water pump to spray water forcefully on areas heavily infested with mealybugs can help wash them away, create moisture on the plants, and reduce mealybug density. Regularly inspect the orchard to detect mealybug damage early, especially during the dry season. Prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/phong-tru-doi-tuong-kiem-dich-thuc-vat-tren-cay-thanh-long-124631.html