Bagging raises fruit quality

DAVAO City – Make the most out of your pomelo fruits by bagging them.

Take this advice from Dr. Rodel Maghiran, director of the DA-High Value Crops Program (DA-HVCCP).

Now widely adopted by mango growers, this simple technology can also be applied to pomelo.

Fruit bagging, which is the wrapping of fruits with paper bags, protect fruits from pests and brings about unblemished appearance which is a main factor considered by consumers.

Researchers have shown that bagging can reduce spraying of insecticides.

"Pomelo fruits that are wrapped with paper bags are protected against fruit fly infestation," stressed Dr. Maghirang, as quoted by Noel Provido of Uhay, official publication of DA-Region 11 (Southern Mindanao). Region 11 has been acknowledged as "pomelo country".

The DA expert advised that fruits should be bagged when they are about the size of golf balls. The fruits should be sprayed once with insecticides before being bagged.

"Fruit bagging is a safe and cheap method for fruit fly control. It is also environment-friendly because it does not harm the beneficial insects," he said. – RAF