MANGO producers in Pangasinan can now improve their income with fruits that have a longer shelf life and free from common diseases using a new and simple technology introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

In a media forum held April 16 in Dagupan, DOST presented the automatic hot water treatment (AHWT) for carabao mangoes, which is effective in controlling the two major mango diseases ‘anthracnose’ and ‘stem-end rot’.

Engr. Thomas Ubiña of the Mariano Marcos State University, one of the developers of the facility, pointed out that almost 10 percent of mangoes contract these diseases during the rainy and cold months December to February.

“Just imagine, if we export 100 kilos of mangoes, 10 percent is already rejected, malaki ang lugi,” said Ubiña.

With the hot water treatment, the diseases could be controlled to only a one percent occurrence.

Ubiña added that treated mangoes also ripe evenly, making them more marketable.

“Mangoes taste sweeter and its flesh looks juicier and firmer than those untreated,” he said.

Engr. Felipe Andrada of the DOST-Pangasinan office said the AHWT is capable of treating 1.5 tons of mangoes for a one-minute immersion or 350 kilograms for a five-minute immersion.

COST

The treatment costs an average of 20 centavos to P1.00 per kilogram for a one to 10 minute immersion, Andrada said.

Andrada also assured that the mangoes are treated under the required temperature and do not risk losing their vitamin content.

DOST organized the forum to promote its banner programs and projects that could help farmers and entrepreneurs, said Dr. Paulina Nebrida, Science and Technology promotions manager for DOST in Region 1.

The success story of Bella’s Calasiao Puto Special that benefitted from the department’s strategic program called Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), was also presented by its owner Rodulfo dela Cruz.    (PIA1-Pangasinan/VHS, AMM)

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