15/08/2024
CAA Extension Services | DA-BIOTECH Abaca Project
The project team of the DA-BIOTECH Abaca Project led by Dr. Elizabeth P. Parac recently concluded a comprehensive training session titled “Addressing Virus Diseases in Abaca production: A status Update and comprehensive training on production and disease management” in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on July 30, 2024.
The training mainly focused on three key topics: 1. Current status of Abaca Virus Diseases : Engr. Arnaldo Gagula provided an overview of the current virus disease situation in Sibagat, ADS highlighting that it is the second-highest risk municipality in the Caraga region. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of taking precaution as to prevent from spreading abaca virus infestation in their abaca farms. 2. Enhancing Production through Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Ms. Joanne A. Langres discussed various management strategies and proper sanitation for improving abaca production which helps in managing pests effectively. 3. Mitigation through the use of Disease free and Tissue cultured planting materials: Jezmeir Rey Porras demonstrated the process and management of producing tissue-cultured derived planting also discussed the advantage of using disease free tissue cultured planting planting materials which generated significant interest among participants.
The project team was very happy for an interactive discussion with the farmers. Most of them open up their different problems encountered in their abaca farms particularly the bunchy top disease which is the common and most destructive viral disease that greatly affects their abaca production. Thus, they are also very interested in using the disease-free tissue cultured planting materials as to increase their yield and production.
The activity was in collaboration with MAO-Sibagat and facilitated by BSA-Crop Protection and MS Crop Science students.