OECS issues warning on Black Sigatoka

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is warning about the spread on the Black Sigatoka fungus, which could seriously affect the agricultural industries of member states.



The fungus that causes premature ripening in fruit has been spreading among various crops in the Eastern Caribbean.



The OECS Secretariat says the fungus is more aggressive than another crop disease, the Yellow Sigatoka, and can cause up to 50 per cent of a banana crop to be destroyed.



There are also concerns the cost of preventing the spread of the disease is a real burden to farmers.



The Windward Islands are of particular concern to the OECS as they already have a fragile banana industry.



Sigatoka can be spread by wind, water, insects and humans travelling from farm to farm.