Nghe An: Increasing the area of ​​oranges and guavas produced in an organic direction

Nghe An currently has 5,589 hectares of oranges, concentrated in the districts of Nghia Dan, Quy Hop, Yen Thanh, Con Cuong... Recently, the decline of orange trees in newly started areas, even those not yet ready for harvest, has been widespread.

In 2017 alone, the entire province had 4,400 hectares of oranges infected with Greening disease, of which the infection rate was up to 70%; more than 4,000 hectares of oranges were infected with yellow leaf and root rot; 100 hectares were infected with canker, scarring, and leaf miner. In addition, spiders and leafhoppers damaged oranges, reducing the yield and quality of oranges.

Spraying biological pesticides on orange gardens in Nghia Hieu, Nghia Dan. Photo: Phu Huong

In early 2017, the entire 1.2 hectares of oranges planted since August 2016 by Mr. Do Hong Cong's family in Trung Tam hamlet, Nghia Hieu commune, Nghia Dan were at risk of being completely "wiped out".

Mr. Cong was instructed to completely replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides with biological pesticides and saw that the orange leaves turned green again, especially the new leaves did not show any signs of disease.He expanded the application to 1.2 hectares of diseased oranges. Up to now, the orange garden has not only fully recovered but also has very good durability, green leaves, stable development, and few pests and diseases.

Now the oranges have started to bear fruit, ripening early, the size and distribution of the fruit are very even, expectedThis year, the harvest is about 15 tons, net profit is 200 million - 250 million VND; in addition, about 40 tons of guava are grown in the orange garden, also applying organic fertilization methods.

Guava intercropped with oranges in organic production has high yield and good quality. Photo: Phu Huong

Results after more than 1 year of implementation show that soil fertility increased, plants grew well, pests and diseases were basically controlled and the possibility of disease outbreaks was limited, soil and plant variety degradation was reduced and products were of higher quality.

According to Mr. Phan Duy Hai - Deputy Head of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, from the initial 1,000 m2 of pilot, the area of ​​fruit trees applying biological methods and organic production has now increased to 7.5 hectares of oranges and guavas intercropped with oranges. Households who have applied the method and found it effective should continue to ask the relevant authorities for advice and application.

Using a drill to apply organic fertilizer to oranges in Nghia Hieu. Photo: Phu Huong