Lactobionic acid is a high value added compound industrially produced through energy intensive chemical synthesis, which uses costly metal catalysts, like gold and platinum. In the next years, biotechnological production of lactobionic acid can be supposed to take the full transition to the manufacturing stage. Productivity of lactobionic acid by microbial production can be affected by various factors – choice of microorganism and its concentration, supply of oxygen, temperature, substrate, cultivation method, pH and aeration rate. The aim was to review research findings for lactobionic acid production as well innovative and efficient technology solutions for self-costs reducing. Whey was recommended as a cheap and suitable substrate for the lactobionic acid production. Whey processing has been advised with Pseudonomas teatrolens in 28 °C and in pH 6 to 7 for yielding the highest productivity. The increasing commercial importance urges the progression of schemes for lactobionic acid biotechnological manufacturing.

A citrus rehabilitation programme is underway to restore abandoned estates through weed control, epiphyte and parasitic phanerogam removal, pruning, fertilization and improved drainage. Phytosanitary methods of control of Moko disease (Pseudomonas solanacearum race 2) and Yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola) of bananas are listed. Virus indexing of citrus cultivars has been initiated and research into tissue culture of banana plants started

Moko control in Grenada by eradication of affected and adjacent (buffer zone) mats is discussed. The major constraints to the programme are poor reporting of disease occurrence, inadequate size of buffer zone, need for frequent re-visits to affected farms, uncertainty over the recommended length of the fallow period, and inadequate supplies of Moko-free planting material

Phytosanitary practices are recommended to reduce the incidence in the Windward Islands of banana pests and diseases: leaf spot (Mycosphaerella musicola), crown rot (Fusarium roseum), virus diseases (bunchy top), moko disease (Pseudomonas solanacearum), banana borer (Cosmopolites sordidus), rust thrips (Chaetonophothrips signipennis), flower thrips (Frankliniella parvula), Lachnopus beetle and nematodes

The disease is endemic in Guyana and both the B and SFR strains of Pseudomonas solanacearum race 2 are present. Four resistant varieties have been introduced viz. Pilipita, Enano, Congo and Mari Congo, the first of which was best adapted to the conditions but has fruit of limited marketability

Second to Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), Moko (Pseudomonas solanacearum race 2) is the most threatening disease to plantains and bananas. No resistance has been found on commercial varieties. It is present throughout Central America, as well as in Trinidad, Grenada, Brazil, Surinam, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and suspected in the Dominican Republic. Its detailed distribution in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru is described. Symptoms, pathogenesis and survival of race 2, which is pathogenic and divided into SFR, the major disease agent on bluggoe, and A and B are described. Disease control by elimination of diseased plants by glyphosate injections is detailed. Good control was achieved in 70 % of infected farms with a 90 day fallow after injection

Important features of the disease Pseudomonas solanacearum or Moko, affecting banana and plantain are reviewed. The history and distribution, host range, symptoms, causal organisms and dissemination, pathogen cycle, disease resistance and control based on sanitation methods are briefly described

A diseased mat eradication programme in which mats are injected with Round up, followed by cygon spray and the area sprayed with Gramoxone has been successful. 216,812 mats were destroyed between 1978 and July 1985. Findings of research funded by the EDF include early detection of infected mats by examination for corm discolouration, possibility of Ricinus comunis, begonia jumbie tomato (Solanum sp.) and Xanthosoma sp. as alternative hosts, a recommended fallow period between injection of mats and re-planting of 9-12 months, optimum weed killer and application rate (Round up at 20 mls 2 % soln) and a buffer zone of more than 8 in. in radius