分类: agriculture

  • Experts Unite to Combat Sugarcane Wilt in Belize

    Experts Unite to Combat Sugarcane Wilt in Belize

    In a concerted effort to address the escalating threat of sugarcane wilt in Belize, a coalition of top officials and experts convened over two days to assess and strategize solutions. Leading the initiative were Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, and CEO Carlos Pol, in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute under Marcos Osorio. They were joined by the Taiwan Technical Mission, IICA Belize, and the University of Belize, focusing their efforts in the regions of Orange Walk and Corozal. The team engaged directly with farmers, inspected affected fields, and evaluated various factors from soil health to planting techniques. Their comprehensive assessment identified four primary causes of the wilt outbreak: climate-induced stress, nutrient-deficient soils, suboptimal field management, and contaminated planting materials. Taiwanese experts proposed immediate measures, including the adoption of tissue culture techniques, sterilization of seed cane, enhanced soil management practices, and the use of biological controls. A notable innovation introduced was a satellite-based monitoring system designed for early detection of disease outbreaks. Concurrently, the University of Belize is exploring the potential of beneficial soil microbes as a natural defense against the disease. This collaborative mission underscores a unified approach, combining local and international expertise to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure the sustainability of Belize’s sugar industry.