sba on black sigatokaxzhjxzhjzxss

5/26/2018 SBA on Black Sigatokaxzhjxzhjzxss

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Black Sigatoka

Research Question with Objective

The fungal pathogen Mycosphaerella fijienis causes the Black Sigatoka disease (BSD) which

attacks only the leaves of bananas and plantains. The first symptom is a faint reddish brown

speck on the underside of the leaves. These reddish brown specks lengthen into reddish brown

streaks approximately 20x2mm which change to dark brown or black and becomes visible on

the upper surface of the leaf.

Black Sigatoka was first been seen in Dominica in June 2012. The present situation of Black

sigatoka is that the disease is slowly spreading to areas where the Black sigatoka was

intercepted. The disease has made the dilemma of banana production worst thus making

things exceptionally hard for the farmers in small communities such as Marigot.

With this in mind, the researcher has taken upon himself to investigate the effects of Black

Sigatoka on banana production and by extension the villagers of Marigot with hopes of finding

a solution to this growing problem.


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Abstract

The researcher in pursuing the study To what extent has Black Sigatoka affectedbanana

production did the following:

Gathered information at the North Eastern Agricultural center Visited an infected farm at Hatton Garden on July 29, 2013 to take pictures of the

diseased plants .

Produced a questionnaire: This was provided to persons to obtain the necessaryinformation.

The internet was used to research the topic. Interviews: This was used to source information from the farmers. Camera: Utilized the digital camera to take pictures.

Literature Review


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Agricultural Science

Questionnaire

Topic: How has the Black Sigatoka Disease affected farmers of the community of Marigot?

1. What is your gender?Male Female

2. What is your age range?20- 35 3645 46 59 60- 70

3. Which part of Marigot do you live?Rose Hill Weirs Sams Gutter

Valley Strath Hill Dam

4. Are you an active farmer?

Yes No

5. How do you rate the decline of banana production in your village?


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Moderately Severe Very severe

6. What is the current factor of the decline of banana production?

a. Availabity of labour b. Market opportunity c. Disease or pest d. All of the above

7. What percentage of your farm has been affected by Black Sigatoka Disease?

25 75 100

8. What is the main effect of Black Sigatoka on banana production?

a. Reduces the plants ability to produce marketable fruits b. Decrease fruit quality c. All of the above

9. What is the worst effect on banana production due to the disease on villagers?

a. Poverty

b. Low standard of living

c. Abandon fields

10. What problems may arise in the community due to the effect of this disease?


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a. Crime b. Theft c. Loss of jobs

12. How has black Sigatoka affected you as a farmers directly?

a. Low production b.c. All of the above

13. What is your average cultivation?

a. 1-3 acres

b. 4-5 acres

c. above 6 acres

14. What was your average income from banana and plantain production annually?

a. $10,000- $15,000 b. $16,000- $21,000 c. Above $30,000

. 15. How could the farmer best assist to help curb the spread of Black Sigatoka?

a. Follow the prescribed practices b. Cut down the affected fields c. Plant other crops


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16. How best can Government assist farmers who are affected by Black Sigatoka?

a. Provide material for regular spraying b.

Compensate farmers for their losses.

c. Provide technical assistance.

Fig 2.1. What is the worst effect on banana production due to the disease on villagers


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Fig 2. Pie chart Showing problems that may arise due to the effects of Black.Sigatoka. Most of

the Farmer agreed that poverty 70%will affect the welfare of the community greatly

which the least percentage 20% thought abandon fields would affect and a minority of 10

percent choose

70%

10%

20%

Chart Title

Poverty

. Low standard of living

Abandon fields


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0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Follow the prescribed

practices

Cut down the affected

fields

Plant other crops

%ofrespondents

Chart Title


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Fig 1 Question# 7. What is the main cause of the decline of banana production presently?

Fig1 is a bar chart that shows the causes of the decline in the banana production.

10 10

80

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

. Labour Market Black sigatoka

%o

frespondents

. Labour

Market

Black sigatoka


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Data Analysis

This research sought to assess the effects of Black Sigatoka on the banana production in the

Community of Marigot. The data revealed some interesting results. The study was conducted

by way of a questionnaire on a population of twenty persons - sixteen (18) males and four (2)

males. Age range of the respondents was from ------- to --------.

According to the results in Fig 1, nine (9) persons or 45% of the population were of the opinion

that the main cause of decline the banana production was the Black Sigatoka. Responses to

the other two areas in the study - Labour and Market 30% (6 persons) and 25% (4 persons)

respectively. Thus, based on the results, the main area that appears to impact the decline in

banana productivity in the community of Marigot is Black Sigatoka. In Fig2


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Literature Review

Black Sigatoka Disease was confirmed in Dominica in June 2012. The fungus produces two types

of spore one on the upper surface and the other on the lower surface. The fungus thrives inwet, humid conditions.

Black Sigatoka is spread by wind rain and man. The ascospores are blown from field to field

while generally move from leaf to leaf in rain splash. Man ca help spread the disease by moving

contaminated plants from infested areas to non infested areas.

Black Sigatoka Disease destroys the lawns of the plants rendering them useless in

photosynthesis. Which is important to supply learnt with food. This further results in reduced

bunch size and weight of plantain and bananas at harvest time. The disease cause early and

uneven ripening of the fruits in the field and after harvest which renders the fruit unmarketable

thus a decline in production and export potential and loss of income.


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Findings

From the survey conditions by the reaction the following was observed disease has gravely

affected the banana plant industry in Marigot

The disease has reduced production of plantain and rendered unmarketable. Due the impact of

the B.S disease job loss is evident and farmer income has been impacted significantly. Therefore

this could lead social problems

Due to the impact of B.S disease farmer has seen are complete loss of income and farmers are

losing hope in the industry.


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Recommendation

Government should make available the necessary resource such as spray oil, inputs and

compensation to farmer who have been affected by Black Sigatoka.

More educational sessions and on farm demonstration must be done with farmers to create anawareness of the detrimental effects of the disease.

sba on black sigatokaxzhjxzhjzxss

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