Effect of Defoliation Frequency on the Management of Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella Fijiensis Morelet) in Banana Cultivation (Musa AAA, Avendish Subtype, 2005)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of leaf-pruning frequency on the control and management of black sigatoka in Cavendish banana (Musa AAA), conducted in Cotuí, Sánchez Ramírez province, using a randomized complete block design with five treatments (including a control) and six replications, comparing pruning frequencies of 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. Pruning frequency did not affect leaf emission rate, though disease progression was best managed at 28-day intervals. Incidence and severity of black sigatoka were lowest with 21-day pruning and highest in the unpruned control; bunch weight and fruit length were also best at 21-day pruning. Disease severity and incidence increased as pruning intervals lengthened.

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