Polyene antibiotic for controlling fungal growth in banana crops

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process to treat banana plants against disease wherein a polyene antibiotic is applied on the plant. In particular a process is described to protect banana crops from the devastating Sigatoka and Panama diseases. To that effect, banana plants are treated with a preparation comprising an amount of a polyene antibiotic effective to prevent or inhibit mould growth, especially M. fijensis and Fusarium oxysporum f sp. cubense.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to a method of controlling the growth of Mycosphaerella and Fusarium on banana plants. Mycosphaerella fijiensis and Fusarium oxysporum f sp.cubense, which cause the so-called black Sigatoka and Panama diseases, cause great losses and are a real threat to the survival of banana varieties . Background of the invention [0002] Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense is the most widespread and historically important banana disease. Local consumption cultivars continued to suffer worldwide until the mid-1900s when well-known epidemics destroyed essential export plantations. The introduction of Cavendish-resistant cultivars to the tropics saved the international banana export trade industry in the 1960s. However, in the 1970s, Cavendish bananas were hit by the disease in subtropical countries such as South Africa. [0003] The disease is widespread on plantations in Australia, South Afric...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, despite these controls, the survival of edible banana species is seriously threatened by banana leaf spot and Panama disease

There is currently no known effective way of preventing the growth of fungi on banana plants (especially M. fijensis and Fusarium oxysporum f sp. cubense) without risk of resistance development and without risk to consumer population health and the environment danger