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

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