Evaluation of the effect of black sigatoka and yellow sigatoka in the quality of bananas cultivated in São Paulo State

Abstract

Nowadays Sigatoka constitutes the most serious and destructive disease of banana tree in whole plantations in the world. They are caused by two taxonomically related ascomycete fungus: Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet, which causes Black Sigatoka and M. musicola Leach ex Mulder which is the agent of Yellow Sigatoka. These diseases affect banana leaves causing stretch marks and necrotic stains which reduce photosynthesizing tissues. The main damages occur by deleafing and premature leaf death which grow plant weak and allow the entrance of new diseases. The diminishing in foliar area causes decrease in the bunch, hand and fruit sizes. Practically there is no information in the literature about banana fruits infected by Sigatoka, therefore, the physiology, quality and specific post-harvest treatment for this kind of fruit is unknown. Hence, the aim of this project is to evaluate the impact of Black and Yellow Sigatokas on banana quality. Fruits quality will be evaluated by physiologics, physics, chemicals and biochemicals criterions. The experience of CIRAD researchers in banana fitopathology, specifically in Sigatokas, along with the knowledge of FCF/USP researchers in banana physiology, biochemistry and post-harvest molecular biology may help the small banana producers to produce banana fruits with similar quality of big producers in this country. (AU)