05-17-2009, 12:07 AM
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#23 (permalink)
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Zone: zone 10
Name: Chris in FL
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 246
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Re: Blk Sigtka - I officially hate FL
I just wanted to update some Sigatoka info regarding FL. I think Rmplmnz said he was not aware of Sigatoka in FL, and perhaps, other members are not either.
Quote:
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In October 1998, symptoms of black Sigatoka (2) were observed on several different cultivars in a collection at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead (25°30(prime) N, 80°30(prime) W). During preliminary surveys, the disease was found at four of eight locations in a 15 km(^2) area to the north of TREC. Disease severity, rated as the youngest leaf spotted (YLS), averaged 4.8 on the most susceptible cultivar, Rajapuri, at one of the locations. The extent and history of damage at this site indicated that black Sigatoka had been there for at least 3 to 4 years. The prevailing east to west winds in the Caribbean, and highly variable incidence and severity of the disease also suggested that the pathogen had been introduced to the area on infected seed pieces (suckers) rather than by wind or rainblown ascospores from Cuba or other affected areas (1). The presence of the disease was confirmed after the following characteristics of the pathogen's anamorph, Paracercospora fijiensis, were observied on affected leaves: simple conidiophores occurring singly or in groups of two to six with one to several septa, scars, and usually a broadened base; and conidia much more abundant on lower leaf surfaces, straight to variously bent with one to several septa and a conspicuous scar at the base. Single-ascospore cultures were recovered from Rajapuri and are stored at CIRAD/FLHOR in Montpellier. This is the first time black Sigatoka has been reported in the continental United States. Banana is a minor but significant tropical fruit crop in southern Florida, with fruit valued at over $2.5 million per annum. Production from Hua moa, Silk, and other important cultivars will probably be affected as the disease becomes established in this part of the state. First Report of Black Sigatoka in Florida.
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HS10/MG040: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
Chris P. |
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