SENSITIVITY MONITORING OF Mycosphaerella fijiensis TO SELECTED SYSTEMIC FUNGICIDES

Black Sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, is the most important leaf disease in Cavendish banana. Management of this disease accounts for almost 35% of the operation cost which is mainly aided by intensive spray application of registered products (Marin et al., 2003). To minimize fungicide resistance development, a spray program is formulated every year following the guidelines set by Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC). Monitoring the sensitivity of the pathogen to systemic fungicides applied in the plantation is therefore very important to ensure the efficiency and efficacy of the spray program. This study describes the tool used as reference in the management of Black Sigatoka.