High tech machine to detect coconut blight

Chaminda PERERA

The government is to import a high tech machine to detect phytoplasma or coconut blight that is spreading in the southern part of the country.

According to Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, this machine will be imported from the UK to detect the coconut trees which have actually been affected by phytoplasma, popularly known as coconut blight. The minister was of the view that the identification of infected trees will help control the disease.

A ministry official is to be given a proper training in the UK over the operation of this machine, the minister added. According to a recent survey, over 35000 coconut trees have been affected by the coconut blight and a special zone beginning from Galle and Akuressa to Tangalle has been declared to control this disease.