A joint venture among the Ministry of Agriculture in Dominica, CARDI and CDB.
26 April 2016
For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE
Sensory test for banana and plantain accessions tolerant to black Sigatoka disease.
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be hosting a taste/sensory testing activity for banana and plantain on Friday 29th April 2016 at the ground floor of the Government Headquarters. This activity is aimed at receiving public feedback with regards to some select banana and plantain accessions tolerant to black Sigatoka disease, and whether these new varieties can be adopted as replacements for our local Cavendish varieties particularly in backyards.
From January 2015 to present, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has been conducting and Integrated Disease Management Program for Management of Black Sigatoka Disease in Dominica, part of which involves the evaluation of four FHIA banana and one plantain accessions. Four plots have been established at four distinct agro-ecological zones across the island in which the accessions are being monitored weekly for disease tolerance. Agronomic data is also being recorded. Thus far varying degrees of tolerance have been observed among the varieties which are developing extremely well and with very little symptoms of the disease, nonetheless the deciding factor will be how the public respond to these new varieties. The intention is to substitute susceptible Cavendish varieties with tolerant FHIA varieties in backyard, thus reducing inoculum in the environment and also to reduce cost of managing the disease. However, there is tremendous potential for commercialization. The accessions are FHIA-01 (banana), FHIA-03 (banana), FHIA-18 (banana), FHIA-21 (plantain) and FHIA-23 (banana), of which FHIA 21 is grown commercially in several countries including Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Venezuela, Ecuador, Perú, México, Dominican Republic and Colombia. In Dominican Republic there are established acreages outstripping more than the traditional susceptible plantain varieties. FHIA-01' was released for commercial cultivation in Australia in 1995 under the name of 'Goldfinger’ and is currently being cultivated.
This research activity is a joint venture among the Ministry of Agriculture in Dominica, CARDI and CDB.
About CARDI
CARDI (www.cardi.org) was established in 1974 to serve the agricultural research and development needs of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CARDI is positioned to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the Caribbean people through research for development that improves the competitiveness and sustainability of regional agriculture. The Institute’s Headquarters is located at the University Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
About CDB
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is a regional financial institution which was established by an Agreement signed on October 18, 1969, in Kingston, Jamaica, and entered into force on January 26, 1970. The Bank came into existence for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean and promoting economic cooperation and integration among them, having special and urgent regard to the needs of the less developed members of the region (Article 1 of the Agreement establishing CDB). In the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the CDB is recognised as an Associate Institution of CARICOM.
For more information contact:
Mrs Sharon Jones
Project Coordinator
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Tel: 1-868-645-1205/7
CARDI Dominica
Gregory Linton
Research Assistant
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Tel: 767-448-2715