PORT MARIA:
THE IMPORTANCE of banana disease control was reinforced by presentations made at a banana/plantain seminar on September 14, at Grays Inn Sports Club, Annotto Bay, St. Mary.
Participants, comprising of high-tech personnel in the industry, agricultural students, farm managers, representatives of EJASP (Eastern Jamaica Support Programme), were presented with recent research development in post-harvest treatment by director of research at the banana export company, Janet Conie.
Focusing on banana crown rot control, she emphasised the need for preventative and curative measures to be implemented.
Slides were used to illustrate the effects of the crown rot on the diseased fruit. Maintenance for control of the disease during the high disease pressure period was also outlined by Mrs. Conie.
A listing of poor cultivation practices which encourages fungal growth, also preventative measures and methods were outlined to the participants.
The methods laid out by the research department for proper handling of the fruit and packaging must be adhered to, she reminded them. Mrs. Conie highlighted chemical management, which is important in producing perfect boxing for export.
Pathologist at the banana export company, Marina Young, presented recent results of research done to control the black sigatoka disease. A biochemical and methodological mode of action has been established for its eradication, and the data collection so far is satisfactory, she told the participants. Mrs. Young called for co-operation in using the methods with the suggested chemical.
Chief executive officer of the Jamaica Banana Export Company, Dr. Marshall Hall, in a short address, said that the banana industry is not dead and is positive that if the export trend is maintained it can be more viable. There is a demand for bananas worldwide, with the United Kingdom and Europe as leading buyers, he noted.
Commendations were meted out to the St. Mary Banana Estates that exports the highest tonnes of bananas. "Tradability" is key and records must be kept with detailed information of the application of chemicals.
He lashed out at those who were condemning the closure of the Victoria Banana Estate, which he said was operating at a loss after the flood damage from the recent flood rains.
Concentration must now be placed on St. Mary Banana Estate, he said, which has been operating at an encouraging pace. He pointed to the need for more production, not only for the export market, but locally, in spite of the challenges facing the industry.
Dr. Hall is optimistic that the year 2003 will be a better year for the banana industry.
