Spraying bananas in Fiji to control black leaf streak disease

SUMMARY Three sprays, maneb in water applied by hydraulic knapsack sprayer and maneb in an oil/water emulsion or an oil/water emulsion alone applied by mistblower were compared for the control of black leaf streak disease of banana caused by Mycosphaerella sp. Although there were no differences in yield in the ‘plant’ crop, maneb, especially as a water‐based spray, resulted in much better disease control and leaf survival. Oil seemed to have an adverse effect on fruit quality but not on plant growth. Since it is unlikely that oil alone will adequately control the disease in ratoon crops fungicides may be necessary.