ADVERTORIAL
Banana cultivation is among the world's top four export crops.However, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), exports in 2023 experienced a very modest increase over the previous year, reaching approximately 19.2 million tonnes. This modest growth is attributed to several factors, such as stagnating global exports after the pandemic in 2020, high fertiliser costs, global warming conditions and the spread of fungal diseases associated with climate change. Given this current situation, it's essential to explore and craft strategies to safeguard production and secure the future of banana industry.
Insights from the archives: the most devastating fungal infections shaping banana productionOne key factor that has contributed to the slowdown in production growth is the incidence of fungal infections affecting banana crops. Currently, two fungi are of particular concern: Pseudocercospora fijiensis (teleomorph Mycosphaerella fijiensis) Morelet, which causes the disease known as Black Sigatoka, and Fusarium oxysporum, responsible for the latest version of the tropical race fungus, Tropical Race 4 (TR4). Both diseases have a significant impact on the Cavendish variety, which represents approximately 51.5% of the world production of this fruit.
The history of bananas has been plagued by challenges associated with fungal diseases. Up until the middle of the last century, banana exports were sustained by the Gros Michel variety. In the 1940s, the outbreak of the Panama fungus disease or Fusarium wilt, Tropical Race 1 (TR1) in Central America, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, however, resulted in the loss of large areas of plantations of this variety. The response was to replace the seedless Gros Michel variety with the TR1 resistant Cavendish variety, which now
constitutes about half of the world's banana production, and dominates the export market, between approximately 1,000 banana varieties grown across 150 nations.
In commercial Cavendish banana plantations, the most dramaticset-back has been the appearance and spread of the foliar disease known as Black Sigatoka which causes significant losses related to the reduction of the photosynthesising surface of the leaf. Fruit crop yield losses can be as high as 50% due to premature ripening, a very serious problem in fruit destined for export. According to a recent study linking climate to the spread and impact of the Sigatoka black leaf disease, once a country is infected and climatic conditions are favourable, losses in banana production can be considerable. Currently these average about 2-3% of total production a year and it is estimated that the total cost of production spent on curbing the threat posed by Black Sigatoka is up to 27%.
More recently, banana growers have had to confront not only Black Sigatoka, but also the threat of Tropical Race 4 (TR4), first reported in Southeast Asia in the 1990s. This fungus has affected Cavendish plantations across Asia, Oceania, Africa and in 2019 was detected for the first time in Latin America, in Colombia. It is especially noteworthy that this disease is caused by the same fungus that caused Panama disease. Considered today as a distinct species called Fusarium odoratissimum sp. nov., it is now also affecting Cavendish plantations, not resistant anymore to this new infection, evolved from a repetition of a global cyclic dynamic. Tropical Race 4 (TR4) also has long-term effects on soil health and the future viability of banana plantations. The fungus has the ability to persist in the soil for prolonged periods, even after infected plants have been removed, making it very difficult to completely eliminate it from a plantation.
Futureco Bioscience moves forward in the control of Black Sigatoka: Bestcure as a biological alternative to MancozebFutureco Bioscience stands out as a manufacturer and developer of advanced biotechnological solutions for the control of Black Sigatoka, offering an effective and innovative biological alternative to the traditional fungicide Mancozeb. Despite the long history and widespread use of Mancozeb in agriculture, its current challenges, such as the accumulation of residues in soil and agricultural products, along with concerns about potential effects on human health and increasing restrictions, have prompted the search for more sustainable and safer alternatives.
Bestcure is a highly effective fungicide formulated with cold pressed citrus extract. This product represents a remarkable advance in fungal disease control, as it not only offers effective protection against Black Sigatoka, but also promotes natural plant resistance. On the one hand, Bestcure acts as a direct biocidal agent, inhibiting the pathogen's enzymatic activity, mycelial growth, and spore generation, resulting in effective eradication of fungal colonies. On the other hand, it stimulates the plant's systemic resistance (IRS), promoting the synthesis of natural phytoalexins, which strengthens the plant's ability to defend itself naturally.
On-farm trials in Colombia have consistently demonstrated the high efficacy of Bestcure in the control of Black Sigatoka in banana crops. The results show that Bestcure is a perfect tool for lowering the chemical load in banana: when used alongside a chemical fungicide for Black Sigatoka treatment, it proves to be equally effective as the conventional method employing two or more chemical agents. In addition, its versatility extends to other diseases, such as Botrytis cinerea in blueberries and sour rot complex in table grapes. Of particular note, Bestcure leaves no residues, making it an attractive option for growers looking to lower the chemical load with environmentally friendly and consumer-safe solutions.
Bestcure is currently registered in several countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Chile, South Africa and Ukraine, and is in the process of being registered in Algeria, Australia, Costa Rica, Egypt, and Morocco.
By focusing on sustainability and efficient, environmentally friendly production, Futureco Bioscience continues to offer innovative solutions and lead the way towards a healthier and more sustainable agricultural future. ●
Efficacy of Bestcure in lowering the chemical load,replacing Mancozeb for the control of Black Sigatoka in banana.
Sandra Ballesteros, Sales Promoter and Banana Specialist and Fernando Monroy, Area Manager for Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, accompanied by Lorenzo Lezcano, administrator of the Rio Grande Plantations group.
Banana plantation in Antioquia, Colombia.
