To Prevent Diseases and Pests in Apples
Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services Sign MOU
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced on the 9th that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 8th to prevent the spread of fire blight disease to other metropolitan areas.
Fire blight disease is caused by pests and diseases. It mainly occurs in Rosaceae plants such as apples and pears. It first appeared in Korea in 2015 and has been steadily increasing since then. Last year, it occurred in 744 farms covering 394.4 hectares.
The Gyeongbuk region is a major apple-producing area and is adjacent to regions where fire blight disease has occurred. A disease called black shoot blight, which has similar environmental conditions and symptoms to fire blight, is also occurring in some areas. Black shoot blight refers to damage where infected tissues appear as if burned by fire.
The two organizations signed the agreement to establish a cooperative system in pest management and quarantine. They will work on enhancing the capabilities of pest control personnel, diagnosing and conducting epidemiological investigations of foreign pests, and mutual exchange of research and education.
Seo Hyowon, head of the Plant Quarantine Division at the Quarantine Agency, said, "Since Gyeongbuk is a major fruit-producing area in Korea, all related organizations must exert their full capabilities to block foreign pests." He added, "Through this agreement, we expect to share and cooperate on the unique tasks of both organizations, contributing not only to the stabilization of the fruit industry but also to the development of local communities."
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