Moroccan tomato exports in the 1999-2000 season, totaling 59,520 tons, recorded a 49 percent decrease compared to the previous season's total of 105,022 tons, Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP) reported Saturday.
The slump is ascribed to a reduction of tomato-growing areas, resulting from the effects of the white fly virus that hits crops, said MAP.
The virus propagation led farmers to use anti-fly nets, conduct weeding out operations and take away contaminated plants. In addition, a cold season also contributed to reduce production -- Albawaba.com
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