Biological and chemical alternatives for the management of black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) in banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) in Rivas, Nicaragua

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of Trichoderma sp and Bacillus subtilis, a mixture of the two, and the chemical NATIVO® SC 300 for the management of black Sigatoka in Tola municipality, Rivas. Black Sigatoka is a disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis, the most prevalent and destructive pathogen of Musaceae. Biological control techniques have been implemented to avoid contamination of water sources and adverse health effects due to the use of chemicals. In relation to the control of the disease, the bioformulation that presented the best results was the base mixture of Trichoderma sp plus Bacillus subtilis with 30.26% of severity, followed by the formulation of Trichoderma sp, with 34.45% and the chemical control NATIVO® SC 300 with 36.09% of severity, without presenting significant differences with the chemical and biological controls. The variables evaluated in this study were the percentage of incidence, severity, and Area Under the Disease Progress Curve of Sigatoka damage per plant. Among the main results, Mycosphaerella was identified as the main pathogenic agent of diseases associated with this crop in Rivas, Nicaragua. It was found that the prevalence and growth of the disease occurred during the dry season. It is demonstrated that the use of biological organisms to control the disease is as effective as chemical ones and safer for the environment and public health.