Taro Disease in Fiji, Now

FURTHER to our report in June “PIM” that a disease (Phytophthora Colo casias) was threatening taro crops in parts of BSI, it now appears that the same disease is causing concern in Fiji.

The disease is a fungus that first at tacks leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and die; the rest of the taro follow ing after. The spores of the fungus are carried by the wind or rain drops and live in the soil. The disease spreads quickly, particularly in wet and windy weather.

It can be controlled by spraying with Bordeaux mixture. The Department of Agriculture of Fiji takes a serious view of the outbreak and has asked growers to contact the nearest Department officer if any sign of the disease appears on their properties.

The Department will supply materials and equipment for spraying and, when ever possible, supply officers to carry out the necessary treatment.

Taro (or Dalo as it is called in Fiji) is one of the principal foods of the Fijians.

It was suggested by our BSI corres pondent in June, that the opinion in the Solomons was that matters would right themselves and that the outbreak was a passing phase.