Taro samples in Samoa have been sent to Germany after reports of a virus affecting some plantations on Upolu.
The problem has caused a ban on any movement of adult taro or seedlings to Savaii from Upolu while exports to American Samoa have been stopped by the territory's government.
The chairman of Samoa's Farmers Association Afamasaga Toleafoa told Sela Jane Aholelei the climate is likely a key factor.
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A Taro plant Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia