Epidemiology of black Sigatoka of banana (Musa spp.) in ecological zone IV of Togo

Bananas are the most consumed fruit in the world and in West Africa. However, banana plantations are often attacked by an ascomycete fungus called Mycosphaerella fijiensis M., responsible for black leaf streak disease (BLSD) or black Sigatoka with yield losses greater than 50%. The objective of this study is to identify varieties of bananas that are resistant, tolerant or susceptible to BLSD. This study was carried out in fifteen (15) plantations of bananas and plantains in ecological zone IV of Togo. The results showed that the disease incidence (IM) varies from 91.0 ± 21.6 to 100.0% ± 0.00 in the fields and the severity index (IS) varies from 94.0% ± 23.5 for the Dankodu variety to 145.0% ± 96.4 for the Agbavé variety, which indicates that all varieties found in this zone would be very sensitive. Our selection work in the greenhouse will allow us to identify the susceptible varieties and to consider ways of stimulating the natural defense of these varieties by inoculation with an elicitor.

Keywords: banana, black Sigatoka, incidence, Togo