A new leaf spot disease has been identified in tissue culture (TC) banana plants, marking the first report of Pyricularia angulata infection in Nendran and Rasthali varieties. The study, published in Indian Phytopathology by researchers from Kerala Agricultural University, highlights the growing threat of fungal pathogens in TC banana production.
Between May and August 2022, severe necrotic lesions were observed on 12-week-old tissue culture banana plants at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, Thrissur. Symptoms appeared as small, sunken brown spots that expanded into dark circular lesions with concentric rings and yellow halos, ultimately causing leaf death in up to 60% of plants.
Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed Pyricularia angulata as the causal organism. ITS-rDNA sequencing showed 99–100% similarity with known P. angulata isolates, confirming its identity. The pathogen’s spread in net-house conditions underscores the vulnerability of TC hardening units to fungal diseases.
To manage the disease, researchers tested 22 treatments under controlled conditions. Among these, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG (0.14%) showed the highest efficacy, reducing disease severity by over 84%. Neem oil (0.5%) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (2%) also provided notable control, making them promising eco-friendly alternatives.
This finding is critical for banana farmers and TC plant producers, as infected plants can act as inoculum sources for field infections, including the economically damaging banana blast and pitting diseases. Early detection, proper sanitation, and effective fungicidal management are key to preventing large-scale outbreaks.
Reference
Antony, A. C., Louis, V., Rashmi, C. R., Rahila, R., & Varghese, S. G. (2025). Leaf spot in tissue culture banana caused by Pyricularia angulata: identification and control strategies. Indian Phytopathology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42360-025-00901-x
Related posts:
Green Nanotechnology and Rhizobacteria Synergy Shows Breakthrough Control of Plum Bacterial Canker
नेपाली भिण्डीमा कीराको नियन्त्रणमा सफल “Trichoderma harzianum” : दुई वर्षे अध्ययनको नतिजा
Eco-Friendly Biopesticides Show Strong Control Against Fall Armyworm in Cameroon Maize Fields
क्यामरुनका मकै खेतमा जैविक कीटनाशकद्वारा फौजी किराको प्रभावकारी नियन्त्रण
Streptomyces Bacteria Show Powerful Potential to Detoxify Aflatoxin B1 and Halt Aspergillus Growth
