Trichoderma Labs combat threats to quality banana production in Davao de Oro

As the province aims to support the Cavendish Banana sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region XI, in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO), recently upgraded and turned over projects to combat threats and boost quality banana production in Davao de Oro.

Recently, three (3) units of Trichoderma Village-Level Biological Control (BioCon) Laboratory facilities with supplies and materials amounting to PHP 2.9M, were turned over to the Fusarium wilt-infected municipalities including Maragusan, Mabini, and Laak.

The projects were under the Banana Industry Development Program of DA XI funded by its Bayanihan 2. These aimed to ease the production of Trichoderma and other Biocon products, which are recognized as resistant to Fusarium wilt, a devastating soil-borne fungal disease that attacks banana plants, among others.

This initiative will result in the rehabilitation of infected banana farms in the province through an accessible Trichoderma Village-Level laboratory, allowing farmers to culture Biocon products that would prevent and control disease spread, thus later aiding them to maximize profits from their farm produce.

In a statement of Regional Crop Protection Center Chief Marilou Infante representing DAXI Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the laboratory will support locals in their farming ventures.

 “Ang trichoderma mao ang atong friendly fungi, ang fusaruim mao ang kalaban. Resulta sa among pagtuki nga ang trichoderma kung i-apply weekly mapilde niya ang fusaruim … atong magamit ang trichoderma laboratory alang sa kalambuan sa atong pagpanaging” Infante said.

Further, the LGUs that received the projects shall provide at least two (2) manpower who will serve as the laboratory-in-charge to ensure the production of 2,000 packs of Trichoderma per month.

According to PAGRO, the program also comes with an upgrade of the Tissue Culture Laboratory in Davao de Oro Farm at Pasian Monkayo, which is the main source of pure culture Biocon products. Such provisions include the laboratory equipment, reagents, and the plan to construct an extension building for the laboratory that is set to rise once approved. (J. Fernandez, PAO-IPRD, Photos by J. Cadiz)