The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security will observe International Day of Plant Health tomorrow, Friday, May 12, under the theme Plant Health “We can all play a part”.
Senior Agricultural Officer and Plant Pathologist, Michael James, and the Plant Protection Unit are leading the charge to safeguard Barbados’ agricultural landscape. The Unit has a multifaceted role, encompassing plant pathology, entomology, plant quarantine, and pesticide control.
Mr. James emphasises the significance of a holistic approach to plant protection, incorporating prevention, diagnosis, and management.
He explained: “Plant protection extends far beyond diagnosing plant diseases. We also play a pivotal role in preventing the entry of pests and harmful plant products into the country. This preventive aspect is crucial in safeguarding our agricultural sector and preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem.”
A primary focus of the Plant Pathologist is to address the significant plant diseases that pose threats to Barbados’ crops. These include the scabby weevil which affects sweet potatoes to the devastating citrus greening disease. The citrus greening is a bacterial disease that is vectored, which means it is carried by an insect.
“The insect comes and feeds on your citrus or your sweet lime and it goes to another citrus and takes the disease with it, that will be vectoring,” Mr. James said.
The Senior Agricultural Officer advocates for the cultivation of resistant plant varieties, proper pest control measures, and stringent quarantine protocols.
He said the Plant Protection Unit ensures that the importation of plants and plant products undergo meticulous inspection, by identifying potential pests and diseases and implementing appropriate risk reduction measures.
Noting that the Unit aims to maintain the integrity of Barbados’ ecosystem and prevent the introduction of harmful plant pathogens, he pointed out that it is for this reason that it regularly engages in plant clinics to educate and raise awareness among the farming community, hobbyists and the general public.
Persons with affected plants who wish to have them inspected are urged to attend the final plant clinic for International Day of Plant Health on Saturday, May 13, at St. Augustine Church, Market Hill, St. George, from noon to 3:00 p.m.