Mycosphaerella fijiensis

STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY

Colonies of Mycosphaerella fijiensis are slow-growing on PDA. They are raised, compact and have a gray to pale-buff velvety surface.

TRANSMISSION AND DISEASE

Mycosphaerella fijiensis causes Black Leaf Streak in banana and plantain plants. It is spread from tree to tree by wind, rain, and irrigation water splashes. It is typically found in low, warm elevations.

DISINFECTION

Fungicides such as benzimidazoles, triazoles, and strobilurins are effective against Mycosphaerella fijiensis infections on plantain and banana plants, but they must be applied frequently to be effective.

UNIQUE OR INTERESTING FACTS

1927. fijiensis was discovered in Fiji in 1963, but it was likely widespread long before then. Some records suggest it was present in Taiwan as early as 1927.

REFERENCE(S)

Mycosphaerella fijiensis, the black leaf streak pathogen of banana: progress towards understanding pathogen biology and detection, disease development, and the challenges of control – CHURCHILL – 2011 – Molecular Plant Pathology – Wiley Online Library

Mulder JL; Holliday P, Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, No. 413. Wallingford, UK: (1974) CAB International.

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