JUNE 25 — The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has intensified measures to control the spread of witches’ broom disease, which could endanger the country’s growing cassava industry if not proactively addressed. A bacteria-like organism called phytoplasma causes the witches’ broom disease.[1] The disease reduces cassava root starch content, hence reducing yield value and farmers’ income. Symptoms not noticeable The BPI said that the witches’ broom disease is systemic […]