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Fungal disease threatens apple harvest in Papua New Guinea's Menyamya district

The apple production season in Menyamya district, Papua New Guinea, is approaching, with harvesting typically taking place between March and April. However, this year's yield faces potential disruption due to a fungal disease affecting apple trees.

Apple growers in Menyamya, Morobe Province, depend on this season for income, with prices ranging from approximately $0.14 to $1.36 per apple, depending on size and market conditions. Local farmer Gime Gath explains, "When the yield is good with fewer infections from insects and the fungal disease on our trees, we earn well from sales." The apples are sold locally in Menyamya and Bulolo and transported to Lae's market and supermarkets.

Having cultivated apple trees for over a decade, Mr. Gath, like many farmers in the region, faces challenges unique to apple farming in Papua New Guinea. He emphasizes the need for better environmental studies, expert technical advice, increased knowledge about the fruit, and improved market access to fully commercialize this cash crop.

Efforts to combat the fungal disease have involved agriculture experts from the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) based in Lae and Goroka. These experts have provided farmers in the Kome local-level government area with practical training and technical guidance to manage the infection. However, these initiatives have been hampered by administrative issues and the district's difficult terrain.

Mr. Gath highlights the impact of the disease, noting that it deforms the fruit during maturation, and once a branch is infected, all the apples on it are adversely affected.

Source: Post-Courier

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