Campaign to rid Saipan of bud rot continues
The Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service is still trying to eradicate the bud rot disease that is wreaking havoc on Saipan’s betel nut farms.
NMC-CREES agricultural consultant Isidoro T. Cabrera said the extension agency has been very aggressive with its efforts at suppressing the disease, also called Pythophthora meadii.
“Our initial survey lists that as much as 3,000 trees have already died of this disease,” he said.
Cabrera and his team held a series of workshops in September for betel nut growers and taught them techniques in applying the pesticides that prevent and stop the spread of bud rot.
“Thus far, over 5,000 trees have been treated, yet we are still encouraging other farmers and backyard gardeners to contact us for assessment and treatment,” Cabrera said.
NMC-CREES has been doing the rounds across the island to inject the chemical Fosphite to the affected trees.
“The fungicide kills the disease on contact and helps boost the plant’s natural defenses against further infection,” said Cabrera, adding that the chemical also serves as a preventive control measure to keep the plants healthy all year long.
Affected betel nut trees include those in Dandan, Rapugao Hill, As Lito, As Mahetog, Capitol Hill, Donne, Kagman, Papago, Tanapag, San Vicente, Mt. Tapochao, and Gualo Rai.
He added that the threat posed by bud rot is a concern to the Saipan farming community and even the NMC-CREES Advisory Council has openly endorsed the efforts of saving the trees. The council is encouraging all betel nut growers to actively take part in the fight against the disease.
Cabrera said the project of treating the trees is in collaboration with the Department of Lands and Natural Resources. He said anyone interested in this program could contact him through tel. no. 287-0571.
