Managing Black Sigatoka in Cavendish Bananas: Effects of Pyrimethanil, Spiroxamine, and Mancozeb Using The Single-Leaf Method

This study investigates the effects of various fungicidal treatments on banana crops, focusing on crop injury (phytotoxicity) and disease control efficacy against Banana Sigatoka. The treatments under consideration are Pyrimethanil 600 SC, Spiroxamine 500 SC, Mancozeb 600 OS, the mentioned fungicides mixed with oil and emulsifier, and a control received to treatments. The crop injury/phytotoxicity ratings were determined at different times at 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23 days after treatment application. No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed on the plants receiving the different treatments with the average value being 00% injury. The untreated control also did not record any injury. In terms of disease control, Mancozeb 600 OS alone (Treatment 3) proved most effective, significantly delaying disease progression, with the highest average leaf positions at disease appearance across all stages and maintaining superior disease control percentages throughout the study period. Combined treatments with Mancozeb and either Pyrimethanil or Spiroxamine also demonstrated strong efficacy, albeit slightly lower than Mancozeb alone. Pyrimethanil and Spiroxamine alone provided moderate control, effective initially but diminishing over time. The untreated control exhibited rapid disease progression, underscoring the necessity of fungicidal intervention. The findings support the safety and efficacy of the tested fungicides for managing Banana Sigatoka. Mancozeb-based treatments, particularly when combined with other fungicides, offer the most robust disease control and should be prioritized in integrated disease management programs to maintain plant health and maximize yield.