Taitung agricultural station holds workshops for pesticide-free custard apples and avocados

To enhance integrated pest and disease management techniques for custard apples and avocados, the Ministry of Agriculture's Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station is conducting a series of workshops. These sessions aim to guide farmers in implementing safe medication practices and producing high-quality fruits, with a particular focus on achieving zero pesticide residues in custard apples.

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To enhance Taitung's custard apple and avocado integrated pest and disease management techniques, assist farmers in implementing safe medication practices and producing high-quality fruits, the Ministry of Agriculture's Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station held an 'Integrated Pest and Disease Management Workshop' yesterday at the Tai Ma Li Township Farmers' Association.

The workshops are strategically timed during the pruning season for custard apples. The Taitung station has organized multiple sessions, including events at the Tai Ma Li Township Farmers' Association, Donghe Township Farmers' Association, Luye District Farmers' Association, and Taitung District Farmers' Association. These events will continue through September, encouraging participation from farmers' associations, production and marketing classes, and export collection points.

Officials emphasize the importance of integrated management techniques for food safety, industry sustainability, and market competitiveness. Given the increasing global demand for food safety and stricter quarantine requirements for exports, adherence to safe production standards from cultivation to post-harvest handling is crucial. The workshops also address the growing cultivation of avocados in the Tai Ma Li area, incorporating specific management courses for this crop.

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The station stated that it will continue to hold a series of integrated pest and disease management workshops in major custard apple producing areas.

Experts like Section Chief Wang Chih-wei will cover topics such as "Custard Apple ND Fruit Production Technology," detailing approved pesticide characteristics, residue dissipation, and safe harvesting principles. Assistant researchers will present on integrated pest and disease management for both custard apples and avocados, sharing insights on field sanitation, non-chemical control methods, and rational pesticide use strategies. The goal is to encourage farmers to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to minimize risks and promote environmental sustainability.

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Custard apple ND fruit production technology