The threat of disease Diseases are one of the main concerns in banana production worldwide. Black Sigatoka, a ferocious-sounding leaf spot disease, has been troubling growers since the 1970s and is considered to be the most important banana disease. This aggressive fungus (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) causes significant reductions in leaf area, yield losses of 50% or more and premature ripening, a serious problem for exported fruit. In the big banana plantations Black Sigatoka can be controlled by fungicide applications and cultural practices such as removal of affected leaves, adequate spacing of plants and efficient drainage. The Cavendish subgroup has been attacked by a new strain of the Panama disease (Fusarium oxysprum race 4) in subtropical growing areas of Australia, South Africa, the Canary Islands, Taiwan and other parts of Asia. This is a serious challenge to the banana growers and scientists are looking for solutions to avoid the spread of this disease, especially to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Diseases are one of the main concerns in banana production worldwide. Black Sigatoka, a ferocious-sounding leaf spot disease, has been troubling growers since the 1970s and is considered to be the most important banana disease. This aggressive fungus (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) causes significant reductions in leaf area, yield losses of 50% or more and premature ripening, a serious problem for exported fruit. In the big banana plantations Black Sigatoka can be controlled by fungicide applications and cultural practices such as removal of affected leaves, adequate spacing of plants and efficient drainage. The Cavendish subgroup has been attacked by a new strain of the Panama disease (Fusarium oxysprum race 4) in subtropical growing areas of Australia, South Africa, the Canary Islands, Taiwan and other parts of Asia. This is a serious challenge to the banana growers and scientists are looking for solutions to avoid the spread of this disease, especially to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Plant health problems affecting banana cultivation need to be dealt with efficiently and effectively with consideration given to the principles of sustainable agricultural production.
Globally, a large network of scientists and experts from international agricultural organisations, the banana-producing industry and the agrochemical industry are dedicated to the task of improving plant protection and finding new solutions.
At Bayer CropScience experts and scientists are in close contact with the banana-producing community to give advice and offer products and services to optimise integrated plant protection management.