Session dissects disease stalking Yongchak
Experts blame fungus, insects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22: In connection with withering of Yongchak (tree beans) on a large scale in different parts of Manipur, experts of the Central Agriculture University (CAU) have explained that it is mainly due to infection from some harmful insects and fungus.

Participating in a seminar on the phenomenon of withering of a large number of Yongchak trees in Manipur held at the conference hall of the UGC-Academic Staff College of Manipur University here today as one of the resource persons, Dr Kh Ibohal of CAU said that these harmful insects and fungus destroy the tissues of the tree beans which are responsible for drawing up the required nutrients from the soil, thus cutting off the vital sap for their normal growth.

A picture of a Yongchak tree

The seminar was held in the backdrop of wide-spread fear that installation of numerous transmission towers of mobile phone service in the State has led to premature death of many tree beans in different parts of the State.

Dr Ibohal, who spoke on the topic of 'Role of insects with special reference to stem borers in the death of tree beans (Yongchak) and control measures', pointed out that stem boring insects, bark feeding insects, sucking insects, pod feeding insects, etc are the main culprits behind the phenomenon of withering of tree beans as these insects eat the vascular tissues of the plants.

Another expert, Prof Naorem Iboton who is the Dean of College of Agriculture, CAU pointed out that among other causes a type of fungus which has come after the Tsunami is also responsible for drying up of Yongchak trees.

After a survey conducted under the Central Agriculture University at Mao, Maram, Tamei, Kangpokpi and other parts of the valley it has been found that this fungus directly affect the bark and the branches of Yongchak trees, he disclosed, adding that to find out the true nature of this fungus, samples have been sent to CMI, London for further study 10 days back.

He further explained that although the Yongchak trees that have already dried up cannot be saved, new plants can be protected from this harmful fungus through soil treatment and injection of the plants.

Dr Potshangbam Kumar of Manipur University, Dr W Ingo of CAU, Dr Mohilal Meitei of Manipur University and Dr M Thoithoi of State Agriculture Department who also participated in the seminar who also participated in the seminar as resource persons made similar observations.

Dr Potshangbam Kumar spoke on the topic of 'Different types of tree beans found in Manipur and their economic importance' and Dr Naorem Mohilal Meitei on 'The plant Neatodes and their role in the decline of Parkia (Yongchak) specially in Manipur'.

Representatives from ICAR, Forest Dept and Horticulture Dept were also present during the seminar inaugurated by MLA Dr Ng Bijoy as chief guest, MLA Y Surchandra Singh as functional president and Director of IBRSD Dr M Rohinikumar Singh, Dean of College of Agriculture, CAU Prof Naorem Iboton Singh and retired Dean of College of Agriculture, CAU Ibopishak as guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, MLA Dr Ng Bijoy said Yongchak is not just one of the favourite food items of the people of Manipur but also the source of income for many families in the State.

So experts should not remain quite to the problem of drying up Yongchak trees.

MLA Y Surchandra said experts should go out to the field and work.

With people are worried over drying up of Yongchak trees, they should find out the causes and allay the fear of the people.

The seminar was jointly organised by Apunba Imagee Machashing, Manipur and UGC-Academic Staff College of MU.

As part of the seminar, saplings of Yongchak were also planted inside the campus of the UGC-Academic Staff College, MU.