The BPI-National Plant Quarantine Services Division (BPI-NPQSD), in collaboration with the Tamagawa University, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Central Luzon State University through the Banana and Cacao Disease Management (BaCaDM) Project, conducted a Workshop on Identification of Mitosporic Fungi last July 31-August 1, 2024, at the NPQSD-Central Laboratory, Malate, Manila.

This activity equipped laboratory analysts from PQS stations in Manila, Pampanga, NAIA, South Harbor, Los Banos, Batangas, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro (CDO), and Davao and Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD) to better understand the diversity of mitosporic fungi for proper identification and disease management.

Mitosporic fungi are a type of fungi that spread using spores without going through the usual process of cell division. Many mitosporic fungi are plant pathogens, causing diseases in crops, and the proper identification helps prevent agricultural losses.

Dr. Katsuhiko Ando, Professor at Tamagawa University, and Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, BaCaDM Chief Investigator, shared their expertise in utilizing techniques to identify economically important fungi for implementing phytosanitary measures and plant disease surveillance.

During the 2nd day of the workshop, DA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance (ODA) Asec. Arnel de Mesa, BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn Panganiban, and PHilMech Director Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, visited the event and expressed their full support for the capacity-building initiatives of BPI laboratories, aimed at enhancing the services of the BPI in safeguarding the Philippine plant industry.

(080724-17)