Bioproducts to control nematodes and Sigatoka in banana and plantain

Executive Summary

Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) is the most important leaf disease of plantains and bananas, it increases production costs, reduces yield and affects producers' quality of life and income. Damage to roots caused by phytonematodes, mainly Radopholus similis, is also very serious. The use of agrochemicals has been practically the only control strategy, damaging the environment as well as animal and human health.

The economic impact in several countries of Latin America and the Caribbean is significant: between 40 to 60% reduction in yields. Farmers must also compete in national and international markets with products free of chemical residues, which motivates the need to investigate new possibilities to solve the problem.

The objective of the project was to evaluate "promising" bioproducts (two strains of endophytic fungi at the root level and foliar application of two botanical extracts) for the control of phytonematodes and black Sigatoka. The experimental design that supports this research allowed collecting sufficient information on whether or not endophytic fungi reduced the presence of R. similis compared to normal control (plots with nematicide) or without control (plots without application). The black Sigatoka component of the study included an estimation of the incidence and severity of the disease and phenological and production variables. 

The technological solution

The technological solution considered nature-based solutions, essentially the use of biocontrollers and antagonists to suppress pests as difficult as nematodes and diseases as prevalent as Sigatoka in banana and plantain. As in similar research experiences, the proposed solutions signal important opportunities for biological control, however, it also confirms that they depend on the circumstances of the crop cycles (presence or absence of pathogens, climatic conditions, etc.). This lack of clear or explicit predictability may limit its adoption, however, we must also recognize that the potential environmental and socio-economic benefits could be significant. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The direct and indirect beneficiaries were specialists from the organizations in charge of the project, as well as technicians and officials from the public and private sectors who participated in the different workshops, field days and training sessions. The exact number was not indicated in the documentation. Other potential beneficiaries would be producers and consumers in case the project findings are adopted or adapted in the future. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors