Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes the flowers and leaves of apple and pear trees to turn black, ultimately leading to the death of the entire tree. Since its first occurrence in South Korea in 2015, it has spread nationwide, causing significant damage to farmers. Over the past six years, compensation payments for losses have reached approximately 160 billion won (about $120 million).
Until now, the key ingredient for fire blight pesticides, bacteriophage, has been difficult to produce domestically, leading to complete reliance on imports.
In December 2024, the National Agricultural Science Center successfully developed a domestic pesticide that selectively targets the fire blight bacteria.
To facilitate the large-scale cultivation of bacteriophage, which is essential for the practical application of the pesticide, it is necessary to provide the fire blight bacteria to the pesticide manufacturing companies involved in the joint research. However, under the Plant Protection Act, fire blight bacteria are designated as quarantine (prohibited) targets, requiring disposal and eradication measures, which has hindered commercialization.
In response, the Audit Agency suggested that the National Agricultural Science Center could provide the fire blight bacteria to the pesticide manufacturing companies involved in the joint research, provided that they establish procedures and control measures to prevent leakage.
The Audit Agency determined that the development and distribution of fire blight pesticides fall under the government's basic responsibility to reduce farmer losses.
It also considered that a legal amendment is underway to allow the use of plant pests for testing and research purposes.
Additionally, the Plant Protection Act includes provisions that permit the import of plant pests for testing and research purposes if the importing entity has the necessary expertise and facilities.
The Audit Agency noted that there have been instances where pathogens, such as those causing COVID-19, have been provided to private companies for vaccine and treatment development under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
The Audit Agency stated, "This is expected to result in an annual import substitution effect of about 5 billion won (approximately $4.5 million) for the core pesticide ingredients, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic fruit industry by expanding the foundation for eco-friendly fruit production and improving productivity."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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