Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana, can persist in the soil for extended periods as chlamydospores or endophytes in weeds, complicating control measures. This study explored the potential of the spent P. ostreatus substrates (SPoS) to suppress Foc R1 in a field. SPoS applications at planting and after every two months over an 8-month period did not significantly reduce leaf symptoms and corm damage.
While Pisang Awak, an important local variety, is known to be susceptible to both Fusarium wilt (Foc) Race 1 and TR4, recent field observations suggest a limited susceptibility of Pisang Awak to Foc TR4 in mixed cultivar plantation settings. Local farmers similarly reported observing reduced susceptibility, with several having already replanted TR4-affected Cavendish fields with Pisang Awak as part of their disease management strategy.
Recent sporadic of Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD) by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) merited a comprehensive field survey across the country. Combining the Rwandan survey with BBTD surveys in neighboring countries a BBTD probability model was developed for Rwanda, taking into account environmental, land-use/land-cover and socio-economic variables, from which a country-wide vulnerability map was compiled.
This Special Issue contains a selection of papers dealing with Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), with a special focus on the Fusarium strain Tropical Race 4 (TR4), and explores (1) options for effective integrated management strategies, (2) the …
Fusarium wilt is a major disease of bananas and poses a threat to global banana production. Here we investigate the genetic diversity of the fungus in banana plantations in Laos and Vietnam.
Xanthomonas wilt is a major disease of bananas affecting the livelihood and food security of East and Central African small-holder farmers. Here we investigate the effectiveness and the cost- and time-efficiency of Xanthomonas wilt control options.
In small-holder intercropping the choice of banana spacing will need to be tailored to the banana cultivar, soil conditions and the farmers' objectives.
We show that careful selection and allocation of crops with varying sensitivity to various banana shade levels and dry season weather can potentially increase whole field productivity.