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Survey underway to track plantain disease

Nov 25, 2009 News

Following complaints by plantain farmers in Rosenanti, Tuschen Backlands, East Bank Essequibo, about being affected by Sigatoka Disease that has taken over their farm, Kaieteur News has been informed that the disease which is being observed on plantains in regions 3 and 4 is of a severe foliar fungal disease.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, told Kaieteur News that preliminary analysis done by the consultant indicates that the disease and the symptoms look like that of a virulent strain of sigatoka disease known as ‘black sigatoka’ (Mycospharella fijiensis).
According to Minister Persaud, laboratory identification also confirms this.
“But further confirmation from internationally accredited laboratory, such as CABI was recommended. The disease samples were collected from the affected area and a confirmative diagnosis has been requested from the international recognized laboratory of CABI in UK,” Persaud told this newspaper.
He explained that a unit was formed by the Ministry of Agriculture called the “Musa Disease Management Unit” which comprises 15 staff from the Ministry and agencies including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
The unit has since commenced operation on October 26, last. It was also noted that a training session was conducted on November 14, last where Staffs and Field Officers of the Unit were trained in both theoretical and practical exercise on Musa disease identification, management and on the identification of the black sigatoka disease under field conditions.
The Agriculture Minister revealed that a survey has commenced to map out disease affected areas and disease free areas across the country as field officers are currently in the field conducting the survey of the Musa (plantain and banana) disease as well as advising the farmers on steps to manage and prevent the spread of the disease.
In September, the farmers had complained that the disease has taken over their farm. Then, Minister Persaud had said that the situation only existed in the Tuschen area, and as such, he had urged farmers not to move their suckers out of the area.
(Fareeza Haniff).

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