Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis): Control Strategies

Black Sigatoka is one of the most devastating foliar diseases affecting banana plants. This scourge causes necrosis on leaves and accelerates fruit ripening, severely compromising yields and crop quality. Without control measures, this disease can reduce banana production by half, posing a major challenge for cultivation in tropical regions.

Table of Contents:

• What is Black Sigatoka?

• What are the symptoms of Black Sigatoka?

• Distinguishing Black Sigatoka from other diseases

• Life cycle of the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis

• Management and control of Black Sigatoka

• Roots and Soils solutions against Black Sigatoka

What is Black Sigatoka? Black Sigatoka, also known as Black Leaf Streak, is a particularly aggressive foliar disease that can reduce yields by up to 50% if left untreated. It is caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis, a fungus belonging to the order Capnodiales and the family Mycosphaerellaceae. This pathogen targets banana plants of the genus Musa, including Cavendish and Plantain cultivars.

Symptoms of Black Sigatoka: Black Sigatoka primarily affects leaves but its consequences impact the entire plant and its fruits.

Life Cycle of Pseudocercospora fijiensis The fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis can reproduce both sexually, through the production of ascospores, and asexually, through the formation of conidia.

Management and Control of Black Sigatoka A combination of preventive and cultural measures can be adopted to limit its spread and reduce its impact on crops.

Roots and soils Solutions offers innovative, natural, and safe solutions. Our research and development program and expertise in agrobiology provide alternatives that are respectful of ecosystems, suitable for both organic and conventional agriculture.