Abstract
Taro production in Fiji is fluctuating in a yearly basis due to presence of devastating pests and diseases. Lack of knowledge in controlling these pests and diseases and the availability of controlling resources is another problem, which farmers in Fiji are currently facing. Taveuni being the largest supplier of taro in Fiji, is experiencing problems related to mono-cropping which in cooperates problems like soil degradation, unwanted weeds and minor pests and diseases. This research article mainly focuses on pests and diseases associated with taro production in Fiji and possible control measures to help farmers in Fiji to enhance their knowledge in controlling these pests and diseases. A thorough survey of taro farmers and exporting companies in Fiji was done to evaluate the problems that have directly or indirectly affected taro production in Fiji in previous years. As shown in figure 2, Fiji has experienced the shortages of taro in the year 2010, 2012 and 2014 as a result of increasing pest and diseases. This shortage not only has affected the demand from overseas market but also farmers in terms of earning for their livelihood. If these problems are not solved at an earliest, the taro industry in Fiji may collapse resulting in greater number of problems in future.
Highlights
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is one of the most important staple food crops in Fiji because of its traditional significance and because of its economic importance
With continuous population growth and the availability of new markets for processed taro as human food and livestock feed, taro cultivation is on the increase in Fiji Islands
Fiji is situated in the South Pacific, 3,000 km (1,875 miles) east of Australia and roughly 1,930 km (1,200 miles) south of the equator
Summary
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is one of the most important staple food crops in Fiji because of its traditional significance and because of its economic importance. Fiji filled the void and was soon supplying taro universally. Almost 80% of Fiji’s sent out taro originates from the island of Taveuni where the taro beetle species (Papuana uninodis) is missing. The Fijian taro industry on the fundamental islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu confronts steady harm from the taro beetles. With continuous population growth and the availability of new markets for processed taro as human food and livestock feed, taro cultivation is on the increase in Fiji Islands
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