Lesson learned to epidemic of banana wilt disease in three southern border provinces of Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) The history of bacteria wilt in banana 2) The characteristics of banana cultivation, banana species and the epidemic period 3) lesson learned to epidemic of banana wilt disease in the three southern border provinces of Thailand. Research approaches used applied research. 54 Key informants were chosen by purposive sampling. Data were collected by focus groups discussions and explore the area to collect banana samples. The data were analyzed by content analysis and confirmation of wilt pathogens from the laboratory. The results finding reveal that 1) Bacteria wilt of banana disease was first found in this area in 2014, Tarnto district, Yala province. Farmers believed the disease was from insects, but the spread was from banana cutting tools. In 2015, farmers in Si-Sakhon district, Narathiwat province observed the banana disease. The spread of disease resulted from moving and planting banana shoot to other areas. In 2016, farmers in Mai Kaen district, Pattani province observed unusual symptoms in banana. The spread was caused by flood in December of 2017. 2) The nature of banana planting is popular to joint or intercropping in rubber plantations and orchards. The cultivated banana varieties are Hin, Namwa, Namwa Pakchong 50, Khai, Nangphaya, Homthong, Lebmuenang, Hommalay, Tanee, and local (Kanun, Hukmuk, and wild). Nine types of bananas were detected bacteria caused the wilt disease in the laboratory: Hin, Namwa, Namwa Pakchong 50, Homthong, Nangpaya, Kai, Kanun, Hukmuk, and wild. The epidemic period of wilt disease from one plot to another of the same species within 1-3 months, the spread occurred in a distance of 200-1,000 meters. While different species of bananas in the same plot, the bacteria multiply on average for 3 months before spreading to other clumps within 2-7 meters. 3) lesson learned of the epidemic of banana wilt disease,