Abstract

Background and Objective: An assessment trial on the behavior of five varieties of banana and plantain cultivars under natural infestation by Mycosphaerella fijiensis was carried out in Azaguié-Ahoua in Southern Côte d’Ivoire, in 2013 and repeated in 2014 for selecting varieties that are productive and tolerant to Black Sigatoka (BLSD). Methodology: The trial was set up in split-plot with three repetitions. The banana tree suckers were planted, with a density of 1,600 plants per hectare, that is a spacing of 2.5 and over 2.5 m. In the 4th month after planting, observations and measurements focused on agronomic and phytopathological descriptors so as to assess yield components and sensitivity of the varieties to BLSD. Results: The results indicated that hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 introduced were the most tolerant and productive and the local cultivar "Orishele", the most sensitive and least productive. These hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 presented respective gross yields of 18.50 and 21.22 t ha–1 in the first crop cycle and 10.62 and 14.98 t ha–1 in the second crop cycle with a high tolerance to BLSD. Whereas, the local cultivar "Orishele" presented a gross yield of 11.49 and 5.63 t ha–1 in the first and second crop cycle, respectively with a high sensitivity to BLSD. Conclusion: In order to improve the performance of the local cultivar "Orishele" appreciated by consumers it seems appropriate to continue research in an agronomic approach focusing on its cultivation in combination with tolerant hybrids for an integrated management of Black Sigatoka.