by Erwin P.Nicavera, Sun Star
AT LEAST five percent of banana plantations in Negros Occidental has been affected by the “bugtok” disease, according to a provincial official.
Provincial Commodity Coordinator Marjo Balinas told Sun.Star Bacolod on Sunday, March 20, that the disease was monitored among banana plantations in the municipality of La Castellana in the southern part of the province, as well as Salvador Benedicto and Calatrava towns in the north.
Bugtok is a crop disease associated with dry spells.
Based on the latest mapping results of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Negros Occidental, around 12 hectares were initially affected by bugtok, Balinas said, and were mostly backyard or small farms.
“Aside from sugarcane and rice, other major commodities in the province like banana are also susceptible to possible adverse effects of El Niño, as prolonged dry weather affects the water retention level among bananas,” he said.
Balinas said that bananas, particularly newly planted ones, may experience stunted growth due to water shortage.Extreme heat and absence of water may also trigger pests and diseases among banana trees in the planting and production stages, he said.
Bugtok disease — also known to some as “aratay” — is caused by bacteria and mostly affects Cardaba or saba banana varieties. Symptoms manifest in the darkening of the fruits.
As part of conducting mitigating measures, Balinas said farmers have been advised to prioritize the utilization of biological means over chemical use in countering the adverse effects of the disease.
These measures include pounding an affected banana plant and applying the result to non-affected parts.
To avoid the spread of the disease, spraying madre de cacao (Gliricidia Sepium) and manunggal extracts, as well as the application of salt on the stem, are also advised.
Disinfection through maintaining cleanliness and proper spacing should also be practiced.
Matured banana fruits should be immediately harvested to avoid damage, Balinas said.
“We continue to urge farmers to enroll their crops under the insurance programs of the province to lessen possible losses,” he said.
Assessment and monitoring of affected banana farms continue, Balinas said.
Source: Sun Star