Farmers in Nghe An province helplessly watch their apple orchards wither and rot.
(Baonghean.vn) - The large apple harvest season has been underway since before the Lunar New Year. However, many apple-growing areas in Thai Hoa town (Nghe An province) are experiencing widespread fruit rot on the trees, causing significant losses for growers.
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| The one-hectare apple orchard of Ms. Dang Thi Hoai's family in Block 4, Long Son Ward, Thai Hoa Town, has suffered a complete crop failure this season. In a short period, the entire area of apples, almost ready for harvest, rotted on the trees. (Photo: Nguyen Nguyen) |
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| Most of the apples were waterlogged, initially light brown, then darkening to a deep brown, and eventually rotting and developing a foul, sour smell. According to the orchard owner, this condition is caused by a fungus. Locals in Thai Hoa call these apples "ngau" (a type of fungal infection). Photo: Nguyen Nguyen |
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| In addition, many apples have turned black and become waterlogged, suspected to be caused by a type of bacteria. Because the exact bacteria are unknown, apple growers have yet to find an effective way to control the problem. (Photo: Nguyen Nguyen) |
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| All the apples were rotten from the inside out and quickly turned brown or black. Photo: Nguyen Nguyen |
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| According to Mr. Phung Xuan Lam, an official of the Farmers' Association of Long Son Ward, Thai Hoa Town, this apple crop, covering nearly 4 hectares in the area, shows signs of being affected by this bacteria. Some households that harvested early were less affected, but many households that did not harvest in time suffered total losses. Photo: Nguyen Nguyen |
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| If not affected by rot, each hectare of large apple trees yields an average of 4-4.5 tons of fruit. Therefore, apple growers in Thai Hoa town are suffering losses of hundreds of millions of dong this season. According to many locals, some apple orchards in Quy Hop district are also showing similar symptoms this year. Photo: Nguyen Nguyen |
