Chinese-developed green pesticide products enter Cambodian market

(ECNS) -- Two Chinese-developed pesticide products have been registered in Cambodia for the first time, with field trials showing promising results in controlling major rice diseases. 

Rice is a staple crop in Cambodia, with more than 3.1 million hectares of paddies and 1.7 million households relying on cultivation. Bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak are among the main threats to production.

Since June, researchers from China’s State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide have conducted trials in Takeo and Battambang provinces.

In a demonstration field in Takeo on Aug. 16, experts found the fungicides delivered significantly better control than commonly used products.

The two fungicides are the first products developed by the Chinese team to be registered overseas, with Cambodia as their initial market.

The project has also established long-term cooperation with the Royal Academy of Cambodia, including technical exchanges and farmer training.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)