Abstract
Agronomic characteristics and black Sigatoka disease severity of plantain clones Maricongo and FHIA 21 were evaluated in the humid upland region in Corozal, Puerto Rico. A 2x2 factorial experimental design (two clones and two management practices for black Sigatoka) with four replications was used. The management of black Sigatoka consisted of removing (deleafing) the infected leaves starting five months after planting followed by rotational applications of systemic and contact fungicides at 15 days intervals. This treatment was compared with a control treatment where no practices were performed for controlling Sigatoka. The FHIA 21 clone showed higher tolerance to black Sigatoka than the Maricongo clone. The management of black Sigatoka treatment significantly increased the average bunch and fruit weights for both plantain clones. On the other hand, results showed a high incidence (27.5%) of FHIA 21 clone plants with banana streak virus (BSV) symptoms compared with 3.5% in Maricongo. Commercial cultivation of FHIA 21 in Puerto Rico is not recommended at this moment, but further evaluation of the clone in different zones is recommended.