Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

# Incidence, Spatial Pattern and Temporal Progress of Fusarium Wilt of Bananas

Version 1 : Received: 13 July 2021 / Approved: 15 July 2021 / Online: 15 July 2021 (10:12:43 CEST)

How to cite: Heck, D.W.; Dita, M.; Del Ponte, E.M.; Mizubuti, E.S.G. Incidence, Spatial Pattern and Temporal Progress of Fusarium Wilt of Bananas. Preprints 2021, 2021070352 (doi: 10.20944/preprints202107.0352.v1). Heck, D.W.; Dita, M.; Del Ponte, E.M.; Mizubuti, E.S.G. Incidence, Spatial Pattern and Temporal Progress of Fusarium Wilt of Bananas. Preprints 2021, 2021070352 (doi: 10.20944/preprints202107.0352.v1).

## Abstract

The effective management of Fusarium wilt of bananas (FW) depends on the knowledge of the disease dynamics in time and space. The objectives of this work were: To estimate disease intensity and impact, and to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamic of FW. Fields planted with Silk (n = 10), Pome (n = 17) or Cavendish (n = 3) banana subgroups were surveyed in Brazil, totaling 95 ha. In each field, all plants were visually assessed and diseased plants were georeferenced. The incidence of FW and the impact of the disease on yield on a regional scale were estimated. Spatial patterns were analyzed using quadrat- and distance-based methods. FW incidence ranged from 0.09 to 41.42%, being higher in Silk fields (median = 14.26%). Impacts of epidemics on yield ranged from 18.4 to 8,192.5 kg.ha-1.year-1, with a median of 935.2 kg.ha-1.year-1. The higher economic impact of the disease was observed on Silk cultivar with a median loss of US$910.5 ha-1.year-1. Overall, estimated losses increased on average by US$ 109.8 ha-1.year-1 at each 1% of incidence. Aggregation of FW was detected by all analytical methods in 13 fields (1 of Cavendish, 11 of Pome and 1 of Silk). In the other 17 fields, at least one analytical method did not reject the null hypothesis of randomness. One field (5 ha), composed of six plots, was selected for spatial and temporal studies during two years with bi-monthly assessments. A sigmoidal curve represented the FW progress and the Gompertz model best fitted disease progress. The level of aggregation varied over time, and evidence of secondary infection to neighboring and distant plants were detected. FW is a widespread problem in Brazil and yield losses can be of high magnitude. Epidemiology-based management strategies can now be better established.

## Subject Areas

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense; Panama disease; epidemiology; disease impact; loss; yield; management.

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