THE RESEARCH and Development Division (RDD) of the Ministry of Agriculture has put in place a programme to eradicate some pests and viruses that affect hot pepper.
The programme, which is expected to cost $500,000 anually, is designed to tackle the pepper gall midge, broad mite and tobacco etch virus that affect hot peppers. "We are doing the research and we are collaborating with other institutions and agencies in solving the problem," said Dr. Lisa Myers, chief plant protection officer.
A task force headed by Phillip Chung, acting zonal director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority has been set up to determine the extent of infection of the gall midge pest.
In the meantime the RDD is developing tobacco etch resistant variety of scotch bonnet peppers.
