The Ministry of Agriculture’s Musa Disease Management Unit would like to clarify some misconceptions contained in an article captioned “Plantain Farmers count big losses after disease outbreak” which was published in the Saturday, January 16, 2010 edition of the Stabroek News.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s MUSA Unit is disturbed that no attempt was made to get the Ministry’s perspective on an inaccurate report made by anonymous farmers and an opposition politician.

The MUSA Unit which comprises 18 staff was established within the Research Arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Institute on September, 2009.

Musa spp. (plantain and banana) is widely cultivated throughout the world and there are many diseases affecting these crops around the world. Guyana is no different since preliminary reports indicate that there is an unknown disease that is affecting plantain and banana. Government has taken steps to address this concern with urgency.

Since the establishment of the unit, it has been functioning and working vigorously to serve the Musa spp. (plantain and banana) farmers across the country.

Disease samples were collected from all the affected areas and sent to an International Laboratory (CABI) in the United Kingdom for confirmation report using molecular methods.

The survey of all the plantain and banana farmers across the country is approximately 75% complete. Staff of the MDMU, Field and other officers of the Ministry of Agriculture are at present in the field to evaluate the level/severity of the Musa disease(s) and provide farmers with advice on the disease management strategies currently available. Brochures on sigatoka disease and its management are being distributed to the farmers across the country.

Training sessions with all staff and many farmers were conducted in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to enlighten them on the various diseases affecting plantain and banana, how to identify them and manage/control them to prevent the spread.

In addition, the MDMU has established demonstration plots for farmers’ participation in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and will expand to the other regions shortly. These demonstration plots aim to show farmers the strategies that can be employed for the management/control of various Musa diseases.

There are a number of trials established for screening various chemicals (fungicides) across the country as part of the disease management strategies.

Additionally, within the last month, the unit has established demonstration sites at the following areas in Region 3 (Parika Back, Ruby Back, Naamryck, Wakenaam and Hogg Islands, and Bonasika), Region 4 (Relief on the East Bank Demerara and Mon Repos), Region 6 (Balchan Scheme and Moleson Creek), and Region 5 (Mahaica creek). So far the results are positive. Farmers were advised on the various strategies that can be used to manage the disease such as:

Good cultural practice
This includes:
1. Regular de-trashing or de-leafing to remove dead and infected portion of leaves as these would contribute to re-infection and high levels of spore inoculums (Sanitation).

2. Prevent overcrowding of field by: planting at the correct spacing (approx 2.4m) pruning mats at regular intervals

3. Establish adequate/ efficient drainage system.

4. Good weed management.

5. Good nematodes and other borer control.

6. Adequate fertilisation.

7. Proper sanitation of farming tools (i.e., disinfect tools before and after use), etc.

Chemical control
Chemical control is used to complement cultural practices and is essential for the reduction of Black Sigatoka disease inoculum levels. Alternating fungicides with the prevailing environmental condition is vital for successful control.

Recommended fungicides :
Bravo, Manzate, Benlate, Tilt, Carbendazim, Maximo, Bellis, Mancozeb. (It is advisable that these fungicides be used at the recommended rates in a well planned rotation schedule).

Quarantine: The movement of rhizomes, suckers and leaves that could be carrying Musa disease from infested to clean areas should be restricted.

For further information, farmers and other interested person are asked to make contact with the Musa Unit at telephone numbers 220-2842 and 220-2249.