Eco-Friendly Management Modules against Sigatoka Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Pseudocercospora musae in Banana

Abstract

Banana is the major fruit crop in the world as well as in India. The cultivation of it takes place in different agro-ecological zones in India, and there is a significant difference in the severity of the disease within each agro-ecological zone. Several fungal diseases curtailed the production of banana. Among them, Sigatoka leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora musae (yellow Sigatoka leaf spot) and Pseudocercospora eumusae (Eumusae Sigatoka leaf spot) are the main threats and limiting factors for different banana cultivars of economic and strategic importance all over the world. Keeping in this view, an assessment (On-Farm Trial) with an eco-friendly management viz., NRCB Bio-consortia, TNAU Bacillus subtilis and chemical (Propiconazole) were tested in the farmers field at five different locations Neidalur North, Neidalur South of Thogamalai block and Sooriyanur of Kulithalai block of Karur district and to verify the efficacy and suitability in controlling sigatoka leaf spot disease in banana during the year 2023-24. The study results revealed that the sigatoka leaf spot disease incidence was recorded 12.75% @ Propiconazole 2 ml per lit of water, followed by NRCB Bio-consortia (12.8 %) when compared to other treatments. Bio-control agents have been proven to have a positive impact on the quality of leaves, fruit yield, and weight as well as suppressing the pathogen.