Beyond Fungicides: Biotechnological Strategies for Managing Black Sigatoka in Bananas.
Black Sigatoka in Bananas: Science and Sustainable Solutions for Ecuadorian Producers
What is Black Sigatoka?
Black Sigatoka is a devastating foliar disease caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis (formerly Mycosphaerella fijiensis), which affects banana leaves. This pathogen produces foliar necrosis and considerably reduces the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. As a result, severe defoliation occurs, affecting fruit development, which can decrease its length and thickness by up to 50%. This fungus remains latent in old, infected leaves and, in the presence of suitable conditions (hydration and a host), releases conidia that initiate the infection. The disease is particularly aggressive in tropical regions like Ecuador, posing a persistent threat to banana productivity ( Carreón-Anguiano et al., 2023 ).
Why is it difficult to control?
Future climate scenarios could worsen the spread of this disease. High temperatures, rainfall, winds, and relative humidity favor the dissemination of spores. Additionally, delays in cultural practices such as leaf pruning, weed control, and nutrition management increase the severity of the disease (Yonow et al., 2019).
A study in the province of El Oro revealed that cultural practices, like proper pruning and the use of nutrients such as silicon, boron, and zinc, reduce the incidence of Black Sigatoka (Espinosa Suárez,2015. Repositorio UTMACH).
Main Scientific Findings
In the search for alternatives to mancozeb—a fungicide restricted due to its effects on health and the environment—strategies based on natural products have been developed. For example, Seican®, made from cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum verum), has shown promising results in Ecuador (Marcano et al. (2024).
On the other hand, biological control has gained ground. Studies indicate that microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., Streptomyces spp. and Enterobacter cloacae show significant inhibition of fungal growth, both through mechanisms of competition and by the production of antifungal compounds, as demonstrated by the study of (Macedo-Raygoza et al.,2019).
These agents also improve nutrient assimilation, induce systemic resistance, and increase the plant’s tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses (García-Giraldo et al., 2022).
Figure 1. Source: BioNaturaleza Biotech™, 2025. Scientific infographic adapted from the From Science to the Field blog.
Figure 2. Youngest leaf with stage 2 infection by P. fijiensis per week. AM = Chemical Treatment, BS = Bacillus subtilis Treatment, TH = T. harzianum Treatment. Source: Modified from Becker, Esker and Umaña (2021).
How does BioNaturaleza integrate these findings?
At BioNaturaleza Biotech™, we transform these findings into applicable solutions. We develop bio-inputs like Microlivings®, a formulation with selected strains of Bacillus spp. that strengthens the root system, induces defense responses, and reduces the incidence of foliar diseases like Black Sigatoka. Our products integrate Ecuadorian science with advanced formulation technology, ensuring the viability and efficacy of the microorganisms throughout the banana’s production cycle.
Impact on Sustainable Agriculture
These strategies allow for the reduction of agrochemical use, improve soil health, and prolong the productive life of the crop. The use of bio-inputs is not only an ecological response but also a competitive advantage in international markets that demand products free of toxic residues. The fight against Black Sigatoka begins in the soil, but it is enhanced with scientific knowledge and informed decisions. Black Sigatoka is not just a foliar problem; it is an integral challenge that requires intelligent and sustainable solutions. At BioNaturaleza Biotech™, we transform knowledge into bio-tools at the service of resilient and sustainable Ecuadorian agriculture.
Learn more about how to implement bio-inputs on your farm! Write to us or visit www.bionaturalezaec.bio to receive technical advice.
