Agronomic practices and environmental factors influenced the distribution and severity of black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensisMorelet) of banana in southern Ethiopia

Banana Black Sigatoka (BBS) is the most threatening and production-limiting factor for banana worldwide. A total of 330 banana fields were assessed from two districts in southern Ethiopia during 2020 and 2021 to determine the distribution and association of BBS severity with agronomic practices and environmental factors. Meteorological variables were obtained from the nearby meteorological stations. The results showed that BBS was prevalent across surveyed areas, with varying degrees of severity. Higher BBS severity was recorded in Mihirab Abaya (66.82 ± 1.47%) than Arba Minch (58.03 ± 1.39%) district. The logistic regression model was used to explain the association of disease severity with independent variables. District, year, time of assessment, moisture source, source of plant material, banana cultivar, growth stage, cropping pattern, nutrient, sucker and disease management, weed infestation, and other agronomic practices were significantly (P< 0.05 to 0.001) associated with BBS severity of > 50% in the multiple-variable model. Lower (≤ 50%) disease severity was strongly associated with Pisang Sri cultivar, vegetative stage, ≤ 5 years of plantation, row planting, mixed cropping, low plant density and weed infestation, and good nutrient (KCl at ≤ 385 kg ha–1), sucker (≤ 5 plants spot–1), disease and other agronomic managements than other class variables. Moreover, high precipitation and humidity, low temperature, rain-wash, and water splash were also identified as the most important driving forces for BBS infection and establishment. Thus, cultivar resistance, mixed cropping, row planting, optimal plant density, good nutrient, sucker and weed management, complete earthing up, and better irrigation and drainage practices should be considered as management options.