First Report of Black Sigatoka of Banana Caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis on Grand Bahama Island

Plant Disease
R C Ploetz

Abstract

Black Sigatoka, which is also known as black leaf streak, is caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis (anamorph Pseudocercospora [formerly Paracercospora) fijiensis]). It is the most important disease of commercially produced banana (Musa spp.) and also has a major impact on production for local consumption. Although the disease occurs throughout the humid tropics, it has been reported in the Caribbean from only Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica (1). In February 2004, black Sigatoka was observed at two isolated and widely separated sites on Grand Bahama island (26.7°N, 78.5°W and 26.7°N, 78°W) on cvs. Silk AAB and Williams AAA, and a French Horn AAB plantain. Symptoms included wet, dark brown streaks on the adaxial leaf surface, 1 to 2 × 10 mm, with chlorotic haloes. Lesions enlarged to 5 × 20 mm and developed tan, necrotic centers; large, blackened, water-soaked areas that resulted from the coalescence of streaks were rare. The disease was confirmed by observing the following characteristics of P. fijiensis in necrotic lesions on preserved leaf specimens: simple conidiophores with a broadened base and one to several septa, straight to variously bent cercosporoid conidia as much as 100 μm long with two to several septa, and a conspicuous...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aneurysm

Aneurysms are outward distensions or bulges that occurs in a weakened wall of blood vessels. Discover the latest research on aneurysms here.

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is the weakening and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the aorta. This causes dilatation of the aorta, which is usually asymptomatic but carries the risk of rupture and hemorrhage. Find the latest research on aortic aneurysms here.