INTRODUCTION:
Over the course of 12 months, the application of EnviroCure2000ä Formula as an environmentally friendly bio-fertilizer for use in a banana plantation was evaluated. The field study was conducted in 1998-99 in Ecuador near Quito on a banana plantation, which is approximately 100 hectares in size (~500 acres).

Banana's Growth Cycle:
It takes a new banana plant approximately 12 weeks to mature; once the fruit is harvested, a new seedling takes its place and blooms within 13 weeks. Every 13 weeks a new plant is ready to be harvested. The growth season is year round.

PROBLEMS IN THE EQUADORIAN BANANA & PLANTAIN PLANTATION:
Two types of diseases were identified to have infected this plantation in Ecuador:

1. Cochinilla-a microscopic insect, which crawls up the stalk of the banana plant. These insects are attracted to the sweetness of the fruit. They attack both the leaves and fruits. Destruction of the plant eventually takes place due to thick infestation.
2. Sigatoca-an airborne fungus which attacks and attaches itself to the bottom of the leaves and eventually kills the plant.

Banana and Plantains trees had fewer leaves than normal. The leaves looked predominantly yellow, brown, deformed and crippled indicating a Sigatoca infestation.

Due to the many toxic pesticides and insecticides used over the years on this plantation, as well as most others, the natural defense system of the plant had been weakened, if not destroyed. Secondly, the insects and fungi that commonly affect these plants have become immune to the common toxic pesticide treatments.

The following are examples of the many adverse affects toxic pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides have had on the growth pattern of the banana plant.

Example 1: a banana plant should give off a powder like substance, which is produced on the stalk to prevent infestation by insects-(this powder like substance is to prevent insects from crawling up the stalk and attacking the leaves and fruits). This natural defense system has been destroyed due to the use of many toxic pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers.

Example 2: a healthy banana plant should produce 13 leaves in order to produce the largest and best bananas. Due to fungi and insect infestation as well as the use of toxic pesticides, the banana plant only produces on average 9 leaves, which are also significantly smaller in size. Having 13 leaves is extremely important as they act as a protective canopy for the banana plant, as well as maximize the photosynthesis process. The size of the leaves determines the size of the bananas. Larger protective canopy also produces healthier and more abundant bananas.

Example 3: The pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers used to date have also decreased the plants' ability to absorb vital nutrients it needs from the soil. Combined with heavy rainfall, they also adversely upset the pH balance.
APPLICATION OF EnviroCure2000ä PROTOCOL:

EnviroCure2000ä is sprayed onto the stalk of plant, leaves, fruit, and the soil around the tree. EnviroCure-UFMS (Ultra Fine Misting Sprayer) or ECO-GUARD-PCS (Professional Compression Sprayer) are recommended for application to guarantee the canopy effect. However, a JG-200-HPW (High Pressure with Wand) or other farm style backpack sprayer can be used to apply the EnviroCure2000ä with ease.

DILUTION RATE, DOSAGE& APPLICATION:
The recommended dosage for treatment of Banana disease and fungi is a 20% dilution rate to be applied every 15 days. Application should be repeated if heavy rain occurs.

To date aerial fumigation has been used to apply insecticides, fungicides and pesticides needed to control fungi and insect infestation. However, this effort has been unsuccessful as aerial application does not penetrate the canopy of the plants. Usually, such application does not allow solutions to reach the bottom of the banana leaves. Hence, it has been recognized that manual application, using a backpack type sprayers is needed to apply EnviroCure2000ä. It has also been noted that such application would generate more jobs for local communities in developing countries which will also prove cost-effective for farmers.

RESULTS:
After only 30 days from the initial application of EnviroCure2000ä, the Banana and Plantain trees exhibited dramatic transformation:

1. Instead of the fewer leaves, there was now an abundance of leaves.
2. The leaves looked very green and healthy and grew far larger in size, thus, producing larger canopy.
3. There was no sign of the Siatoca fungus and the Cochinilla insect was completely controlled.
4. The trees started producing larger and healthier looking fruits

ADVANTAGES OF USING EnviroCure2000™:

• Increases the immune system of the plant.
• Safely reduces the plant and fruit smell which attract insects; thus controlls infestation.
• Naturally repels insects and controls infestation.
• EnviroCure2000ä breaks down the hydrocarbons and toxins in the soil in the petro-solvents base of the previously used pesticides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. By breaking down the hydrocarbons, EnviroCure2000ä allows the plant to absorb the nutrients in the soil more quickly and efficiently; thereby, producing a healthier,fruit-bearing plants.
• EnviroCure2000ä also neutralizes acid rain and balances the pH of the soil. Where there is high rainfall and the soil tends to become acid, the use of EnviroCureä is very important in maintaining a soil pH that is beneficial to the plants.
• Repels the Cochinilla.
• Works to eliminate the Sigatoca Fungus
  
• Increases the amount of leaves from 9 to 13; thereby increasing the size of the bananas.
• Increases the size of the leaves to produce a better protective canopy, one, which increases the health and size of the bananas.
• Not only are larger leaves a sign of healthy plants, but, they enhance the photosynthesis process a major source of plant nutrition.
• Other applications had indicated the efficacy of EnviroCure2000ä in combating root rot, maggots, worms, beetles and aphids. This capability enhances the plants opportunity of more protected and healthier growth.
• All of the above benefits lead to increased yield and profitable production.
• EnviroCure2000ä has also shown preservation qualities, by which the shelf life of the bananas has been extended by three (3) week's. This is a significant advantage. Under previous circumstances prior to the use of EnviroCure2000ä, the banana was arriving spoiled by the time it reached the sales center or ports for export.

CONCLUSION:
EnviroCure2000ä has been recognized as an effective and safe alternative to the insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers used today. Although EnviroCure2000ä works as an insecticide, pesticide, fungicide and fertilizer, yet, it does not pose any threat of toxic hazards to workers, farmers, the well being of the plants, nor to the environment as a whole.

EnviroCure2000ä is a safe and effective alternative to currently used insecticide, pesticide, fungicide and fertilizer, because it is plant-based and natural. Hence, it is more difficult for pathogens and insects to build immunity to EnviroCure2000ä.

See pictures attached for further reference to EnviroCure2000™ use on bananas & plantains

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