Agriculture Official Reports Reductions in Leaf Spot Disease

Contact: John Emmanuel

Monday, June 18, 2001 - The island’s Director of Agricultural Services has expressed optimism, over the dramatic reductions recorded as of late, in the levels of Leaf Spot Disease affecting banana fields. Mr. Julius Polius attributes the reduction in levels to government’s comprehensive control programme, involving both aerial and ground spraying.

“Coupled with that is the fact that farmers are now putting their fields back in shape and with inputs to be available very soon, one senses that the plants will be in a better position to withstand the disease at this point, than they were earlier,” said Polius.

He says once fields are infested with Leaf Spot Disease, selling becomes impossible because the market simply won’t tolerate Leaf Spot affected fruit as it leads to pre-ripening.  “Therefore, once a field is infected by Leaf Spot Disease, it is lost completely. If you can get it under control it means that you’re in a position to salvage your production and that you’re likely to be in a position to export the type of quality that is required to sustain the market place,” he added.

The reduction in Leaf Spot disease is being viewed as a significant plus, given the destructive nature of the disease. Farmers island-wide are reported to have sustained heavy losses due to damaged fields. With the suspension of the spraying levy back in October of 2000, government has borne the brunt of the cost of Leaf Spot control.

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