Over 860 hectares of cassava are affected by cassava mosaic disease.

According to information from the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the province has planted 11,000 hectares of cassava to date, reaching 104.7% of the plan. The main variety planted is KM94 (over 90%), with a small number of other varieties such as STB1, DT4, etc. However, field surveys show that over 860 hectares of cassava in the province are infected with cassava mosaic disease, of which 184 hectares are severely infected, nearly 760 hectares higher than in 2023. The disease is mainly concentrated in the districts of Hai Lang, Vinh Linh, Trieu Phong, Gio Linh, Dakrong, and Quang Tri town. The disease prevalence rate is 5% - 10%, with some areas reaching 30% - 40%, and in some localized areas, the infection rate reaches 70% - 90%.

According to Deputy Head of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection Tran Minh Tuan, cassava mosaic disease is on the rise in 2024, causing damage in many areas. The main reason is that people are using diseased cuttings for new plantings instead of buying disease-free seedlings. In previous years, some localities had policies to support people in buying disease-free seedlings, but this year that is no longer the case. People are not reinvesting for the new crop season but are utilizing local seed sources, so the disease has spread and caused damage in many places.

Over 860 hectares of cassava are affected by cassava mosaic disease. Cassava plants infected with cassava mosaic disease in Hai Chanh commune, Hai Lang district - Photo: LA

To proactively control cassava mosaic disease, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection is intensifying its efforts to educate and train farmers on recognizing disease symptoms, transmission pathways, and control techniques. Farmers in affected areas are being guided to collect all cassava plant residues after harvest and burn them to eliminate the source of infection, ensuring that diseased plant residues are not left in fields or on field edges. Furthermore, improved care and fertilization measures are being implemented to promote healthy cassava growth and increase its resistance to pests and diseases.

People are strongly advised not to use, buy, or sell seeds from cassava growing areas that have been infected with the disease for the next season. At the same time, they should continue to monitor and evaluate disease-free seed areas and carry out seed propagation to provide a source of seeds for subsequent years.

Le An

Source