Crop rotation concerns emerge amid fungal diseases

Fungal diseases affecting pumpkins, squash and watermelons are among the problems being reported to agricultural extension officers, with concerns that some farmers’ planting practices could be increasing their crops’ vulnerability to infection.

The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) has identified inadequate crop rotation as a major challenge, while the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) says limited land and the need to maintain established markets may influence what farmers choose to grow.

BADMC Agronomist Rontia Crichlow raised the concerns as she responded to questions from Barbados TODAY during an Agri-Clinic at Six Roads, St Philip, on Thursday.