Banana production threatened
Dominica
Tuesday 06 December 2011
MD
The banana crop in some areas of the Dominican Republic is down from 30-40%
Fungus continues to ravage banana plantations and has caused the loss of 30% to 40% of production in some areas.
The Black Sigatoka fungus is continuing to spread, attacking fruit and burning leaves. The fungus has shown more resistance to chemical treatments than expected.
The Banana Growers Association (Adobanano) highlighted the problem by estimating that exports could be halved. The regional office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has pledged $ 1.5 million to help control the disease.
source : listin diario