China destroys more Philippines bananas
The Shanghai inspection officials have burned the bananas, a total of 60.3 tons. Total loss for the Philippines has been estimated to be 37,000 USD, equal to 4,640 cartons.
It added that the Shanghai entry-exit inspection and Quarantine Bureau of Pudong burned the imports on site. The claimed the bananas were infected with pineapple mealybugs. The pineapple mealybugs, which live on plant surfaces, can eventually kill the whole plant. Once imported, the pest may lead to significant agricultural losses.
The pineapple mealybug lowers the market value of the fruit. Direct feeding damages the fruit, causing discolored or rotted skin. Feeding by the pineapple mealybug can weaken the plant, increasing susceptibility to other pests and diseases. Black sooty mold and other molds commonly grow in areas exposed to a buildup of honeydew produced by mealybugs.
This is the second time in three weeks that Chinese officials destroyed banana shipments from the Philippines. On March 27, the Chinese customs office in the Shenzhen Port destroyed 35 tons of Philippine bananas, after being tested with excessive levels of pesticide.
Source: Manila Bulletin