Mycosphaerella fijiensis

Mycosphaerella fijiensis is a fungal species belonging to the Mycosphaerellaceae family. It is the causal agent of Black Sigatoka, a disease that affects banana plants, causing significant losses in banana production worldwide.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1964 by R.H. Stover, who named it Cercospora fijiensis. Later, it was transferred to the genus Mycosphaerella by M.J. Wingfield in 1994, hence the current name Mycosphaerella fijiensis.

Description

Mycosphaerella fijiensis is a ascomycete fungus. It produces ascospores that are spread by wind and rain. These spores germinate on the leaf surface of the banana plant, penetrating the cuticle and infecting the leaf tissue.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Mycosphaerella fijiensis begins when ascospores land on a banana leaf and germinate. The fungus then penetrates the leaf tissue, causing initial symptoms of Black Sigatoka. As the disease progresses, the fungus produces more spores, which are spread to other plants, continuing the disease cycle.

Management

Management of Mycosphaerella fijiensis and Black Sigatoka involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and the use of resistant banana varieties. Cultural practices include proper spacing of plants and removal of infected leaves. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides, while resistant varieties are developed through plant breeding.

Impact

Mycosphaerella fijiensis has a significant impact on banana production, particularly in tropical regions where conditions are favorable for the disease. The fungus can cause yield losses of up to 50%, and in severe cases, can lead to the death of the banana plant.

See Also

• Black Sigatoka
• Mycosphaerella
• Banana