Growers worried as disease attacks jackfruit trees
Jackfruit growers of Kathalbari union in Kurigram Sadar are worried as a disease caused by a certain type of worm is damaging the trunks of the fruit bearing trees. Photo: STAR
Jackfruit growers in Kathalbari union under Kurigram Sadar upazila are worried as spread of a disease, locally known as kathal cancer affects the yield of the popular summer fruit during the ongoing ripe season. The disease created by one kind of worm also causes gradual death to the trees. Rearing jackfruit trees and selling the fruits in summer and rainy seasons is a major earning source of most of the people in the area famous for cultivation of the delicious fruit. During this time, hundreds of traders purchase jackfruit from Kathalbari Bazar and take it to other districts of the country. Besides, aged jackfruit trees are cut for getting high quality timber that is used to make good furniture. A few days ago, this correspondent visited several orchards in Kathalbari union and talked with the affected jackfruit growers. The disease was prevalent earlier too but recently it has spread alarmingly, affecting around 20 percent trees in the area, said locals. “The disease has attacked my two jackfruit trees. It is caused by a kind of worm that continues eats inside the tree trunk. Consequently, fruit production declines and their sizes become smaller. Such poorly developed fruits are used mostly as fodder,” said Idris Ali, 32, son of Md Efaj Uddin of Sannashi village of the union. “Affected tree trunks and branches become weak and easily break down during storm or strong wind. Value of wood from such trees is very low. We do not know the reason of such attack by the worm,” Idris Ali said. A farmer Abdus Salam, 39, of the area said, “Four years ago, the disease attacked one of my matured jackfruit trees, affecting its growth and production. A recent storm broke the tree.” Another farmer Golzar Hossen of Pramaniktary village under the union said, “There are 20 jackfruit trees in my homestead. But their growth stopped and yield declined following attack by a kind of worm. I have sold a few of the trees. I do not know how to prevent the disease.” Upazila Agriculture Officer of Kurigram Sadar Md Monjur Rashid said, “The growth of jackfruit is affected due to the disease caused by one kind of white worm. The affected trees can be saved if the worms are killed by applying a kind of systemic insecticide." “We are looking for suitable land in Kurigram Sadar upazila to establish a horticulture centre that has been approved by the government,” he added.
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