Strategies for integrated management of black Sigatoka in banana

Executive Summary

The control of black Sigatoka in banana crops was studied through four lines of work:

1. High-density cultivation and use of fungicides. The higher density increased the height of the plants, lengthened the production cycle and contributed to weed control. Bunch weight was lower without affecting the number and size of fruits. Neither infection nor fungicide use increased with the higher density. Productivity and net profit increased.
2. Practices to reduce internal inoculum and control disease. Stacking leaves with or without urea application after defoliation reduced infections but did not increase yield. However, it may be desirable in periods of increased disease pressure.
3. Development of the disease and its relationship with climatic factors. The disease progression curve was determined for the design of measures such as sowing planning so that flowering and harvesting do not coincide with increased infection pressure. The incubation and latency period was highly variable and the determining factor was the relative humidity, linked to the seasonality of rainfall.
4. Baseline of sensitivity to fungicides in Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Resistant isolates were found in plantations in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama, related to a high use of fungicides. In Brazil and Nicaragua the use of fungicides is limited which explains the absence of resistant isolates.

The technological solution

The technological solution, tested at an experimental level, consisted of crop management practices, such as planting density, use of fungicides and sanitary leaf removal aimed at controlling the disease. These practices were evaluated in terms of the incidence of infections and the productivity of the plantations. The reference sector is that of small banana producers in the countries of the region. The benefits, when these practices are adopted, will be manifested as reductions in the incidence of disease outbreaks, greater productivity and lower economic and environmental costs due to the reduction in the use of fungicides.

Results

Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries were research and extension institutions in the participating countries that increased their knowledge of black Sigatoka epidemiology and methods of control of the disease. The project also provided the opportunity for the participation and training of university level students (Bachelor and Master). A total of 13 students joined the different research projects as thesis students and collaborated in the implementation of the activities, acquiring new skills that will later serve to technically support the banana producers, who will be the final beneficiaries of the project.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors