by Victor Cherubim
We have seen over time that human, plant and animal life have been susceptible to parasitic infestations in our land. But thankfully action is taken promptly to control it, but, often times, things get forgotten afterwards.
I can remember the time when I was growing up in Ceylon that we were all concerned about hook worms, tapeworms, head lice in humans, gastro infections in cattle management particularly buffaloes, bed bugs and cockroaches, not forgetting mosquitoes in insects, and recently in the 1990’s coconut mite.
Problems such as the above occur because we are busier on other things than on health and hygiene. Our departments of parasitological, entomological, pest and infection control have been otherwise occupied or perhaps have been more appropriately starved of funds due to the thirty odd year war, that there was “neglect unlimited”.
It appears that we wake up when we hear of the rumours of the “khapra beetle” and we go all out to eradicate this pestilence?
We are a small island, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and so are mostly protected by nature and by the way of life, culture and Buddhist and Hindu civilisation. What problems we have inherited other than from our genes, is what we have mostly, if not essentially imported stuff, including “bugs and drugs”.
Our climate is salubrious, our soil is very fertile, our ease of life and liberty is infectious. But, unlike another large island, Australia, we are not fully immersed in health and safety, as an essential prerequisite for our own existence. We do not permanently enforce stringent health regulations of those who visit our beautiful isle. By the time we civilians come to realise, it is often too late.
I also well remember my Austral tourist flight from London, Colombo landing in Sydney in November 2003. I was shocked that the plane and the passengers were fumigated minutes before landing at Sydney airport. The officials, Customs and Health staff were of course, wanting to know where I had come from, what I was bringing, whether I was carrying any infection, whether I was carrying with me any food, plants, flowers or seeds and whether I had made contact with any persons en route on any part of my journey. I was taken aback at the health questions I was interrogated, all in a very friendly, courteous atmosphere. I then knew how seriously health matters are taken in Australia.
Sena destroys cabbage, nakol in Matale District?
We are warned that the Army Worms (Sena) has started to spread to cabbage and nakol cultivation in some sections of the Matale District, according to farmers’ association reports.
I remember visiting Galewela, in the Matale District,some six years ago and I was entertained right royally by my friends there. I was very much aware of the fertile soil and the luxuriant natural vegetation. I wonder what happened between then and now.?
What is being done and what more can be done today?
When we talk about plant infestation, our minds immediately turn to two things. First we think of plant variety resistant to infection. Secondly, plant susceptibility to parasites, fungus disease and/or its sensitivity.
We know that infestations don’t occur suddenly. Of course, they undoubtedly cause the lack of growth as well as the death of young plant life in a number of fields. Most infestations attack the root system.
The literature on the subject, particularly on Plant Resistance is full of many contradictions. Some are hasty in observation or careless in definition and others are incomplete?
What is resistance?
Resistance to plant infection is dependent to a large extent on plant vigour, which in turn dependent on climate, plant nutrition and other soil conditions.
“Information on plant resistance is based largely on negative evidence, it requires careful examination,” according to researchers.
“Resistance in plants is the ability to obstruct the invasion of parasites. The causes of resistance may be physical, chemical or psychological.” This we are told differ with the type of plant.
Many plants may at some time escape infestation, but some plants which have never been reported as a host to a parasite, say to the “sena” worm, may possibly indicate non resistance, or perhaps, indicate resistance? Only close examination and research can tell?
What is susceptibility?
“Susceptibility in a plant, in its condition of being a suitable host for a given parasite has to be looked at the degree of tolerance”.
“Tolerance is a capacity to endure without injury or the ability of a plant to continue productive growth even while it is subject to a heavy and increasing infestation, year on year.”
We also have to add an unknown factor. This is Immunity to infection.
Immunity to infection?
“Immunity is freedom or exemption from disease or infestation.” The word immunity has often been used loosely, meaning sometimes resistance and sometimes only tolerance or profitable growth. Complete immunity is a rare condition according to research.
How could the “Worm Sena” have spread?
Only an entomologist, a parasitologist, or a nematologist can give us a definite answer?
Instead of waiting for the verdict, the All Ceylon Farmers Federation can ask the Government to be more vigilant at our borders and control the pestilence before it starts. A vigilant Border Control is the answer?
It is a great comfort to know that President Maithripala Sirisena has taken measures for Border Control very seriously, not only on drugs, but also on infestation. The Government of Sri Lanka and its Opposition need to follow suit, before quibbling on other matters? The health of the nation is as important as the health of the economy, or more so.
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