Fungi and carrion beetles have attacked the banana trees in Buleleng since few years ago. However, up to this moment it could not be resolved completely. As a result, since the beginning of last October, it was estimated that thousands of banana trees perished, while farmers could do nothing.
A farmer at Tejakula, explained that during this transitional season the carrion beetles set to attack nearly all kinds of plants in Eastern Buleleng, including attacking banana trees. Based on simple calculation, 30 clusters of banana trees were damaged due to the attack of carrion. Estimated, teens of others would face the same condition if carrion beetles would not be eradicated.
To this extent, farmers at Tejakula eradicated the carrion by means of simple method, namely by lighting kerosene pressure lantern and a basin containing water was put under the lantern. Carrion’s visiting the latern light would be heated and fell down into the basin. “Another problem arising today is the too expensive price of kerosene used to light the latern,” said a farmer.
Other than carrion beetles, fungi and bacteria also attacked banana trees in Buleleng. Banana trees attacked by fusarium fungi mostly located at Tejakula, Gerokgak, and Banjar sub district. Meanwhile, banana trees attacked by pseudomonas bacteria were located at Sukasada, Buleleng, Banjar and Seririt sub district. Bananas attacked by fusarium was characterized by leaves turning yellow and wilted, while the attacked by pseudomonas were indicated by decayed trunk and fruit.
Based on the data obtained from Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Services (Distanak) of Buleleng, at the beginning of October 2009 was just registered 1,068 clusters of banana trees turned damaged due to the attack of carrion beetles, fungi and bacteria. It was noted that the most serious damage ensued at banjar sub district. At least, 218 clusters of banana trees at the area were attacked by pseudomonas and 25 others attacked by fungi.

Increasing attack
Section Head of Horticultural Protection, Distanak Buleleng, Ketut Santiana, justified that more than one thousand clusters of banana trees in Buleleng underwent damage due to the attack of fungi, bacteria, and carrion. He admitted that the attack actually has happened since 1985; however, it could not be eradicated totally. “The attack of fungi, bacteria and carrion beetles usually ensue during transitional season like this October,” he said.
According to Santiana, the obstacle encountered in eradicating bacteria and fungi attacking banana trees, one of them, was that banana has not been seriously cultivated in Buleleng. Usually, banana was planted in the midst of other plants as inter crops and then they were disregarded without good maintenance.
If fungi or bacteria have attacked the plant, said Santiana, farmers should dismantle the entire cluster of banana until its root. The soil ex diseased banana was left to have a hole and then it was planted again with the new ones few days later. At least, farmers only disposed the damaged trunk of banana, while its shoots were left to grow. “Actually, the shoots were left to grow. “Actually, the shoot has been infected by fungi so that it could be ensured that the trunk will be damaged when bearing fruit,” he said.

News by International Bali Post

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