Expert confirms betel nut disease

A plant pathologist from the University of Guam confirmed yesterday that the fungi that has killed hundreds of betel nut trees on Saipan is similar to the one that attacked Guam last year.

Dr. George Wall also said the infection’s spread to other areas would likely occur due to the imminent arrival of the rainy months. High winds could transfer the spores of the fungi to other uninfected trees.

Wall arrived on the island yesterday morning and was immediately brought to the infected sites in the villages of Capitol Hill, Papago and Tanapag. Wall said he saw that almost all affected trees were dead and some were dying. He took samples of the fungi from the infected trees and confirmed the fungi’s presence by testing samples at a diagnostic laboratory in Kagman.

Wall recommended that policies be enforced to contain the outbreak in the infected areas. He said that actions should immediately be taken before the rainy days and that acquiring the necessary fungicides would greatly help stop the spread.

Agriculture consultant Isidoro T. Cabrera of the Northern Marianas College–Cooperative Research, Extension & Education Service earlier said that he has already applied with the Division of Environmental Quality for a permit to use the fungicide Kocide 4.5LF to control the spread of the disease. The application remains pending as it also needs the approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Wall said, though, that Kocide 4.5LF is not enough to cure the trees. He recommended the use of two other chemicals—Foshpite and Agri FOS—which he said would be injected into the trees.

According to DEQ pesticide manager Terrence Fitial, NMC-CREES still has to submit further application documents to justify the need for the fungicides, especially now that there are two additional chemicals needed. The documents will be forwarded to the EPA in California.

The pathologist said that his visit has had four major objectives: First, to verify the disease-causing fungi; then, to see the extent of the spread of the disease; then discuss it with government officials and issue recommendations on what to do to control it; and fourth, to help NMC-CREES with its awareness campaign among the farmers.

“It is very important [to make farmers be aware]. The real key to a successful control is in the hands of the growers,” said Wall.

Wall also stressed that people who visit the areas where the infected trees are should be careful as they may carry the spores of the fungi in their shoes.

“Complete care must be observed. Growers must also dip the betel nut fruits in a bleach solution of at least 10 percent and then in water to be free from the fungi. The procedure must be done before selling the betel nut fruits to other islands,” he said.

The outbreak of the fungus in Tanapag has already spread to an estimated 200 betel nut trees.

Wall finally said that cutting down the trees is the most practical measure when they are greatly infected.

During tests conducted on the samples, Wall said they determined that the fungus Phytophthora meadi was present in the infected trees. He said that there were two types of spores found in the infected area: the ones found on the vegetative parts of the trees and the ones found on the soil.

The spores that stay in the soil could remain in the soil for several months, so the disease really needs attention, said Wall.

Cabrera is encouraging the public, especially farmers, to contact him at 287-0571 if they see symptoms or spread of the disease to the betel nut trees on the island, as well as on Rota and Tinian.

Wall is set to leave Saipan today but he will continue to communicate with NMC-CREES for updates on the outbreak. (Marconi Calindas)