Innovation in action: tackling post-harvest diseases in dasheen in St Vincent and the Grenadines”

Innovation in action: tackling post-harvest diseases in dasheen in St Vincent and the Grenadines”

In St Vincent & the Grenadines, dasheen (taro) is more than a crop – it is a cornerstone of local agriculture and a major export commodity. However, post-harvest fungal diseases have posed significant challenges to maintaining quality during export, threatening market access and economic stability for farmers. To address this issue, COLEAD, in collaboration with ECTAD CARIBBEAN, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the manufacturer of Serenade ASO®, launched a crop protection efficacy trial in the framework of the FFM+ programme.

The challenge: replacing Metalaxyl-M

Traditionally, Metalaxyl-M has been used to control fungal decay during export, but new Maximum Residue Level (MRL) restrictions necessitate an alternative solution. Finding effective, residue-free and sustainable treatments is critical to protecting the integrity of the dasheen value chain.

Innovative alternatives under trial

The trial, which began in November 2024, is testing two promising alternatives:

• Lime Sulphur: Previously evaluated with mixed results, further optimisation is needed to improve efficacy.
• Serenade ASO® (Bacillus subtilis QST713): A biopesticide identified by COLEAD as a suitable candidate and already used locally for pre-harvest control of leaf blight.

Both treatments are compatible with organic farming practices and leave no chemical residues, in line with sustainable agriculture objectives. The trial will also investigate the combined use of these treatments to maximise efficacy.

Objectives: ensuring market access and sustainability

The ultimate goals of this initiative are

• Market compliance: To ensure compliance with MRLs to maintain and expand market access.
• Spoilage reduction: Reducing post-harvest losses to protect farmer livelihoods and consumer confidence.
• Value chain integrity: Strengthening the economic and reputational sustainability of the dasheen sector.

By working with ECTAD CARIBBEAN, CARDI and industry partners, COLEAD through the Fit For Market Plus programme continues to foster innovation and resilience in the agricultural sector in the Caribbean region.

This trial exemplifies COLEAD’s commitment to research-driven, locally relevant solutions to agricultural challenges through member countries of the OACPS.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.