Moler Disease of Shallot in the Last Three Years at Brebes Central Java: The Intensity and Resulting Yields Losses is Increasing

Abstract

Shallots are one of the important commodities in Indonesia, and have become a mainstay for farmers in certain areas. This is due to the high economic value, short life, and an average harvest time of only two months. In addition, Brebes district, Central Java is one of the production centers, and farmers here have complained about an increasing disturbance and attacks in recent years. This condition is observed in the form of pathgen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae, responsible for twisting leaf symptoms, and popularly termed "moler"disease. Moreover, Indonesian references show reports on the predominance from the 1970's, with the name "busuk umbi"Fusarium. This disease is attributed by many others as the basal plate rot, and is estimated to be important in various shallot producing countries. The paper reports on the attack state within the last three years were based on a direct survey of farmers in Brebes. This was conducted with 35 respondent farmers at 7 sub-districts of shallot production centers. The results show a gradual increased in disease intensity and the resulting yield loss within the last three years. In addition, moler intensity was higher in the rainy season, and inappropriate cultivation practices are were estimated as one of the important driving factors.