Black Sigatoka leaf streaks of banana ( Musa spp.) caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis in Ethiopia.

Sigatoka leaf streaks caused by Mycosphaerella spp. are the most destructive fungal diseases of bananas and plantains throughout the world. The disease is not well documented so far in Ethiopia though it is so calamitous in east and central Africa. Detailed assessment accompanied by infected samples collection for identification was carried out in farmers' fields, research plots and large-scale banana plantations. The results showed black Sigatoka leaf streak is causing extensive damage with pronounced incidence (>75%) and severity (>50%) in southwest Ethiopia. It is also common on enset ( Ensete ventricosum). Mycosphaerella fijiensis is largely identified from symptomatic banana leaves and confirmed with pathogenicity tests. The incidence and severity varied significantly ( P < 0.05) among banana varieties. Ducasse and Pisang Raja showed less severity (35 and 40%) than Grande Naine, Giant Cavendish and Poyo varieties (>60%). This is the first record of black Sigatoka leaf streak associated with Mycosphaerella fijiensis on banana and enset in Ethiopia, thus untiring efforts should be directed to manage Sigatoka disease in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]