Mapping and severity of pathogenic fungi of banana in major growing zones of kenya

Abstract

Fungal diseases in banana are very devastating and can cause up to 50% loss. This study investigated the incidence and severity of fungal diseases affecting banana across Kisii, Meru, and Taita Taveta counties during the long rain season of 2024. Surveys were conducted across the three counties to assess the distribution, incidence, and severity of fungal diseases of banana. Disease severity was scored using the Stover and Dickson scale rating of 1-6. Black Sigatoka Disease and Yellow Sigatoka recorded the highest severities across the study sites, while Cordana leaf spot recorded low severity. Disease severity was high in Kisii with a mean score of 3.2, followed by Meru with 2.6, then Taita Taveta recording the lowest mean of 1.9. GPS coordinates were recorded and used to map for disease severities using Qgis version 3.31. These findings provide important information on the distribution of pathogenic fungi affecting banana in Kenya.