Bacolod quarantine office confiscates 80 coconuts from Iloilo
Negros Occ. (6 August) -- Intensified campaign here of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Plant Quarantine Service against coconut pest brontispa longissima resulted to the interception of more than 80 coconut plants and palms since January to August, 2008.
Negros Occ. Plant Quarantine Officer Jessie Horvidalla said the items were confiscated thru roll-on roll-off shipment coming from Iloilo City. He said shippers were cooperative during the confiscation and even volunteered to have the plant observed at the Bacolod quarantine yard.
Object of observation is the egg of brontispa that could develop into larval stage after 30 days. If the plant proves positive of the pest, they are disposed of by burning. Those found negative are released to the shippers.
As a result of the heightened watch for the pest, there has not been any confiscation since April of this year, Horvidalla told PIA. Bureau of Plant Industry Special Quarantine Order No. 3 states that " the movement /transfer/carrying of palm seedlings, plants and germinated seednuts including fronds from infested areas to non-infested areas in Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao is strictly prohibited." (PIA-LOL) [top]
