First report of Moko disease of banana in Jamaica
Moko disease of banana caused by Ralstonia solanacearum race 2 (EPPO A2 list) is reported from Jamaica. The disease was noticed in November 2003 in a few fields at Maroon Town, St James (north west of the island) on banana and plantain showing wilting and reduced fruit size. The presence of the bacterium has now been confirmed by CABI Bioscience. Eradication and containment measures are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. Infected fields (approximately 8 ha) will be destroyed and restrictions will be imposed on plant and soil movements from the infested area. A survey will be carried out over the whole island to determine the extent of the disease. This finding is considered as a serious threat to Jamaican banana production. It is noted that, in Jamaica, approximately 9,600 ha of banana and 5,100 ha of plantains are grown by 85,200 farmers for both the export and domestic markets.
Sources
INTERNET
Jamaica Information Service. Ministry outlines plan of action for banana disease, Kingston, 2004-03-10. http://www.jis.gov.jm
Jamaica Gleaner. The threat to banana. 2004-03-11.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20040311/cleisure/cleisure1.html
ProMed posting of 2004-03-17. Moko disease, banana – Jamaica (St James).
http://www.promedmail.org