scholarly journals Yield and Fruit Quality Traits of Two Banana Cultivars Grown at Two Locations in Puerto Rico under Black Leaf Streak Disease Pressure

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ricardo Goenaga ◽  
Brian Irish ◽  
Angel Marrero
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Black Sigatoka ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Black Leaf Streak ◽  
Black Leaf Streak Disease

Banana (Musa acuminata AAA) is the most exported fruit worldwide and represents a major source of revenue for Central American and South American countries as well as the Caribbean region, among others. Black leaf streak disease (BLSD) or black sigatoka, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis (formerly Mycosphaerella fijiensis), is responsible for significant losses to this crop due to the high susceptibility of the most economically important cultivars. BLSD does not immediately kill banana plants, but it causes severe leaf necrosis that results in reduced photosynthetic area, thereby adversely impacting bunch weight and fruit production. Without cultural and chemical control, yields can be reduced by 20% to 80%, depending on severity. This study evaluated ‘FHIA-17’, a BLSD-resistant synthetic hybrid (AAAA), against ‘Grand Nain’, a standard commercial cultivar with no BLSD tolerance, at two locations in Puerto Rico on Ultisol (Corozal site) and Oxisol (Isabela site) soils where BLSD was not managed. Significantly lower bunch yield (45,990 kg·ha−1) and significantly fewer fruit (220,671 fruit/ha) were obtained at Corozal than at Isabela (53,755 kg·ha−1; 380,241 fruit/ha). Lower production at Corozal was the result of higher severity of BLSD at this location than at Isabela and to soil factors interfering with optimum nutrient uptake. Average fruit production of ‘FHIA-17’ was significantly higher than that of ‘Grand Nain’ at both locations, with bunch yields of 68,105 and 72, 634 kg·ha−1 at Corozal and Isabela, respectively. Fruit of the third-upper hand was significantly longer for ‘FHIA-17’ at Corozal but not different at Isabela; however, ‘FHIA-17’ fruit in this hand were of significantly greater diameter. Fruit in the last hand of ‘FHIA-17’ were significantly longer than in ‘Grand Nain’ at Corozal, but of significantly greater diameter at both locations. At both locations, the mean fruit weight was significantly higher in ‘FHIA-17’ than in ‘Grand Nain’. The number of functional leaves present at flowering and at harvest was significantly higher in ‘FHIA-17’ than in ‘Grand Nain’ at both locations, indicating more availability of photosynthetic area in ‘FHIA-17’ during the fruit-filling period. The harvest cycle of ‘FHIA-17’ was significantly longer than for ‘Grand Nain’. It took 315 and 204 more days in Corozal and Isabela, respectively, to harvest three cycles (mother crop and two ratoon crops) of ‘FHIA-17’ than for ‘Grand Nain’. No significant differences were found for starch and soluble sugars in green unripe or fully mature fruit among cultivars. In this long-term study, ‘FHIA-17’ showed to have good production and resistance against BLSD and is a viable alternative to current commercial cultivars. Its relative advantage of reduced production costs by not needing fungicide applications should be weighed against its longer harvest cycle to produce a fruit bunch.

scholarly journals Yield and Fruit Quality Traits of Two Plantain Cultivars Grown at Two Locations in Puerto Rico under Black Leaf Streak Disease Pressure

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 958-966
Author(s):  
Ricardo Goenaga ◽  
Brian Irish ◽  
Angel Marrero
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Streak Virus ◽  
Black Sigatoka ◽  
Perennial Plant ◽  
Black Leaf Streak ◽  
Black Leaf Streak Disease

Plantain (Musa balbisiana AAB) is a tropical rhizomatous perennial plant in the genus Musa spp., closely related to banana (Musa acuminata AAA). It is an important cash crop and staple for inhabitants in many parts of the world, including various ethnic groups in the United States. Black leaf streak disease (BLSD) or black sigatoka, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis (formerly Mycosphaerella fijiensis), is responsible for significant losses of this crop due to the high susceptibility of the most economically important cultivars. BLSD does not immediately kill plantain plants, but it causes severe leaf necrosis, which results in reduced photosynthetic area, thereby adversely impacting bunch weight and fruit production. Without cultural and chemical control, yields can be reduced by 20% to 80%, depending on severity. This study evaluated a BLSD-resistant cultivar, FHIA-21, against Maricongo, a standard commercial cultivar with no BLSD tolerance, at two locations in Puerto Rico on Ultisol (Corozal site) and Oxisol (Isabela site) soils. Total number of fruit and bunch yield were significantly higher at Isabela, with BLSD severity being significantly lower at this location. Average fruit production of ‘FHIA-21’ was significantly higher than that of ‘Maricongo’ at both locations, with fruit yields of 122,522 and 99,948 fruit/ha at Isabela and Corozal, respectively. Overall, fruit of ‘FHIA-21’ were significantly longer and had greater diameters than those of ‘Maricongo’. At Isabela, the mean bunch fruit weight was significantly higher for ‘FHIA-21’, but both cultivars exceeded the minimum local marketable fruit weight criterion of 270 g. At both locations, the numbers of functional leaves present at flowering and at harvest were significantly higher for ‘FHIA-21’ than for ‘Maricongo’, indicating more availability of photosynthetic area for ‘FHIA-21’ during the fruit-filling period. There were no significant differences between cultivars regarding the concentration of starch and soluble sugars for green fruit. Regarding ripe fruit, ‘FHIA-21’ had a significantly higher concentration of soluble sugars and less starch. In this study, ‘FHIA-21’ had good resistance against BLSD and, if accepted by consumers, is a viable alternative to current commercial cultivars. We also conclude from this study that the expression of the Banana streak virus (BSV) in planting material of this cultivar remains an unknown threat in yield decline of ‘FHIA-21’.

scholarly journals Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Causal Agent of Black Sigatoka of Musa spp. Found in Puerto Rico and Identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Plant Disease ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 684-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Irish ◽  
R. Goenaga ◽  
R. C. Ploetz
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Natural Resource Institute ◽  
Mycosphaerella Fijiensis ◽  
Black Sigatoka ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Potato Dextrose Broth ◽  
Musa Spp ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Black Sigatoka, also known as black leaf streak, is caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet (anamorph Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Morelet) Deighton). It is the most significant disease of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) because most of the economically important cultivars of exported and staple commodities are highly susceptible. The Caribbean is one of the few regions of the world where black Sigatoka is not widespread. Black Sigatoka has been reported in the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica (2). Yellow Sigatoka, caused by M. musicola Leach (anamorph P. musae (Zimm.) Deighton), has been recognized in Puerto Rico since 1938-1939 (3). In August 2004, symptoms resembling black Sigatoka were first observed in Añasco, Puerto Rico by extension personnel from the University of Puerto Rico. Since black and yellow Sigatoka produce similar disease symptoms, a survey was conducted in the western banana- and plantain-production region of Puerto Rico to confirm the presence of black Sigatoka. Leaf samples were collected from production fields near the towns of Las Marias, Maricao, and Añasco. Single-ascospore isolates were recovered using the discharge technique from moistened pseudothecia in necrotic lesions that were inverted over water agar, and ascospores were transferred to potato dextrose agar. The isolates were subcultured in potato dextrose broth for mycelium production. DNA was isolated from mycelium with the FastDNA kit (Q-Biogen, Irvine, CA) for 19 isolates. Internal transcribed spacer as well as the 5.8s rDNA regions were polymerase chain reaction amplified with primers specific to M. fijiensis or M. musicola (1). Amplification products (˜1,100 bp) were observed for 18 of the 19 isolates, 6 of which were M. fijiensis and the remaining 12 were M. musicola, while the positive controls for both species were also amplified with the respective primer pairs. M. fijiensis was recovered from production fields close to all three towns. The source of M. fijiensis in Puerto Rico is unclear, but it may have originated from introduced leaf material and/or wind dispersed ascospores from neighboring countries. The presence of black Sigatoka in Puerto Rico will most likely increase production costs where fungicide applications will be needed to maintain yields. The USDA-ARS, Tropical Agriculture Research Station is the official Musa spp. germplasm repository for the National Plant Germplasm System. As such, efforts are underway to introduce and evaluate black Sigatoka disease-resistant clones that can satisfy local and export market criteria. References: (1) A. Johnasen. Detection of Sigatoka leaf spot pathogens of banana by the polymerase chain reaction. Chatman, UK, Natural Resource Institute, 1997. (2) R. C. Ploetz. Plant Dis. 88:772, 2004. (3) R. H. Stover. Trop. Agric. Trinidad. 39:327, 1962.

scholarly journals Fungitoxic Potentialities of NECO 50 EC in an Integrated Black Sigatoka Management Strategy in Industrial Dessert Banana Plantation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Jean-Martial F. K. Kassi ◽  
Henri P. N’Guessan ◽  
Seydou Tuo ◽  
Brahima Camara ◽  
Daouda Koné
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Plant Extract ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Mycosphaerella Fijiensis ◽  
Black Sigatoka ◽  
Banana Production ◽  
Banana Tree ◽  
Black Leaf Streak ◽  
Black Leaf Streak Disease

Black leaf streak disease (BLSD) is the major constraint on banana production around the world. In Côte d'Ivoire, this disease is found in all banana-growing areas and its management involves the use of large volumes of agrochemicals. This mode of production is increasingly denounced by consumers from regarding fruit contamination by phytopharmaceuticals. The objective of this study is to promote the use of NECO 50 EC, a plant extract-based biofungicide in an integrated black Sigatoka management system. The fungitoxic effect of NECO 50 EC was assessed in vitro on Mycosphaerella fijiensis conidia germination and the evolution of black leaf streak disease symptoms under natural infestation. NECO 50 EC was applied over a surface area of 25 ha at a rate of 0.3 l/ha. Its weekly effect on the evolution of the rank of the youngest leaf affected (YLA), the rank of the youngest necrotic leaf (YLN), the number of functional leaves at flowering (NFLF) and the number of functional leaves at harvest (NFLH) was determined and then compared to those of a morpholine (Volley 88 OL) applied over a surface area of 25 ha at a dose of 0.5 l/ha. NECO 50 EC showed an anti-germinating effect on Mycosphaerella fijiensis conidia at low doses, useful in reducing disease spreading. Its application in banana tree plantations reduced disease pressure on the plots. It ensured the protection of new leaves generated (YLA > 4), favored ranks of YLN greater than 9. More than 14 leaves were counted at flowering and more than 7 leaves at harvest were observed. NECO 50 EC, a plant extract-based biological fungicide, may be an effective alternative for black leaf streak disease control in industrial banana tree plantations.

scholarly journals Cox Processes Associated with Spatial Copula Observed through Stratified Sampling

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 524
Author(s):  
Walguen Oscar ◽  
Jean Vaillant
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Gaussian Copula ◽  
Spatial Dependency ◽  
Spatial Effects ◽  
Doubly Stochastic ◽  
Cox Processes ◽  
Black Leaf Streak ◽  
Spatial Random Field ◽  
Black Leaf Streak Disease ◽  
Spatial Count Data

Cox processes, also called doubly stochastic Poisson processes, are used for describing phenomena for which overdispersion exists, as well as Poisson properties conditional on environmental effects. In this paper, we consider situations where spatial count data are not available for the whole study area but only for sampling units within identified strata. Moreover, we introduce a model of spatial dependency for environmental effects based on a Gaussian copula and gamma-distributed margins. The strength of dependency between spatial effects is related with the distance between stratum centers. Sampling properties are presented taking into account the spatial random field of covariates. Likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches are proposed to estimate the effect parameters and the covariate link function parameters. These techniques are illustrated using Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) data collected in Martinique island.

scholarly journals Hurricane Maria and its Impact on the Zoological and Botanical Collections of the University of Puerto Rico

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. e26014
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Schizas
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
University Of Puerto Rico ◽  
Federal Grant ◽  
Research Profile ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The University

With a total of more than 150,000 specimens, the 85-year old collections of insects and terrestrial, freshwater, and marine invertebrates of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), western Puerto Rico, are among the most significant repositories for these groups in the Caribbean region. Located in Mayagüez and on Magueyes Island, these collections were created by outstanding insect and invertebrate specialists working in Puerto Rico and surrounding islands. Holdings are particularly strong in the Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Collembola, Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Cnidaria. Collecting and curatorial activities, initiated in the 1920s, were maintained throughout the 1980s, resulting in many taxonomically and historically valuable records for the region. From 1990 to 2005, the invertebrate collections were increasingly neglected, with certain parts scattered throughout multiple buildings and rooms, inaccessible, or inadequately stored and at risk of becoming damaged or lost. The support for these collections was not sustained at high levels due to a variety of factors, including changes in the research profile of new academic appointments and the shortsightedness of administrators to fully understand the cultural, educational and scientific value of the museum holdings. With the exception of a federal grant through NSF - DBI (National Science Foundation - Biological Research Collections - PI Frantz - 2007-2010), which initiated a flurry of Museum related activities to improve the deteriorating museum facilities throughout the UPRM campus, the Museum collections are now facing even more challenges, some anthropogenic and very recently, some natural. Major Hurricane Maria (Category 4), delivered a devastating blow to the island of Puerto Rico on 20 September 2017. Both terrestrial and marine ecosystems were heavily impacted. Extensive structural damage to roads, telecommunications, water systems, the energy grid and approximately 60,000 houses/buildings made Hurricane Maria the most damaging Hurricane (estimated cost ~ 90 billion dollars) in the USA after Katrina and Harvey. Flooding caused by the direct impact of Hurricane Maria (5 to 40 inches of rain fell during the first 48 hours in Puerto Rico) and subsequent extensive loss of electricity caused unfavorable conditions for the collections. The University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez closed for approximately 45 days and limited electricity, if any, was available through diesel generators. High levels of humidity and heat can cause further structural damage as well as favor the growth of fungus in enclosed areas of UPRM, including the Museums. Efforts to safeguard the collections will be outlined here to ensure the collections remain a valuable natural asset of the people of Puerto Rico as part of their natural patrimony and as an irreplaceable education tool.

scholarly journals Constructing Spiritual Blackness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Omar Ramadan-Santiago
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Puerto Ricans ◽  
Black Identity ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Imagined Community ◽  
Identification Process ◽  
Global Construction

Abstract In this article, I address how my interlocutors, members of the Rastafari community in Puerto Rico, claim that they identify with Blackness and Africanness in a manner different from other Black-identifying Puerto Ricans. Their identification process presents a spiritual and global construction of Blackness that does not fit within the typical narratives often used to discuss Black identity in Puerto Rico. I argue that their performance of a spiritually Black identity creates a different understanding of Blackness in Puerto Rico, one that is not nation-based but rather worldwide. This construction of Blackness and Black identity allows my interlocutors to create an imagined community of Blackness and African descent that extends past Puerto Rico’s borders toward the greater Caribbean region and African continent. In the first section, I discuss how Blackness is understood and emplaced in Puerto Rico and why this construction is considered too limiting by my interlocutors. I then address their own construction of Blackness, what I refer to as “spiritual Blackness,” and how they believe it diverges from Afro-Boricua/Black Puerto Rican identity. In the final section, I direct focus to how Africa is centralized in the construction of spiritual Blackness.

Influence of prescribed burning on fruit production in Proteaceae

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. D. Penman ◽  
S. H. Penman
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Long Term Study

Prescribed burning is applied worldwide as a forest management tool. It is broadly accepted that altered fire regimes can directly impact upon community structure and composition, but little is known about the indirect effects of altered fire regimes on the mechanisms that produce community-level changes such as changes to the reproductive output of individual plants, hence populations. We examined the reproductive output of four species of Proteaceae within a long term study site where disturbance histories for the last twenty years have been accurately recorded on 216 plots. Frequent fire was found to increase woody fruit production in Banksia marginata, but had no apparent effect on B. serrata, Hakea eriantha or H. sericea. Results of this study vary from a similar study which examined the effect of wildfires. The differences observed are likely to reflect the differing impacts of fire intensity on these species. Indirect changes in fruit production may result in changes in reproductive success of species which in turn may affect vegetation community structure and faunal habitat.

scholarly journals Local Annual Survival and Seasonal Residency Rates of Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris Pusilla) in Puerto Rico

The Auk ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 1397-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Rice ◽  
Jaime A. Collazo ◽  
Mathew W. Alldredge ◽  
Brian A. Harrington ◽  
Allen R. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Differential Mortality ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Greater Antilles ◽  
Annual Survival ◽  
Salt Flats ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Calidris Pusilla ◽  
Semipalmated Sandpipers

Abstract We report seasonal residency and local annual survival rates of migratory Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) at the Cabo Rojo salt flats, Puerto Rico. Residency rate (daily probability of remaining on the flats) was 0.991 ± 0.001 (x̄ ± SE), yielding a mean length of stay of 110 days. This finding supports the inclusion of the Caribbean as part of the species' winter range. Average estimated percentage of fat was low but increased throughout the season, which suggests that birds replenish some spent fat reserves and strive for energetic maintenance. Local annual survival rate was 0.62 ± 0.04, within the range of values reported for breeding populations at Manitoba and Alaska (0.53–0.76). The similarity was not unexpected because estimates were obtained annually but at opposite sites of their annual migratory movements. Birds captured at the salt flats appeared to be a mix of birds from various parts of the breeding range, judging from morphology (culmen's coefficient of variation = 9.1, n = 106). This suggested that origin (breeding area) of birds and their proportion in the data should be ascertained and accounted for in analyses to glean the full conservation implications of winter-based annual survival estimates. Those data are needed to unravel the possibility that individuals of distinct populations are affected by differential mortality factors across different migratory routes. Mean length of stay strongly suggested that habitat quality at the salt flats was high. Rainfall and tidal flow combine to increase food availability during fall. The salt flats dry up gradually toward late January, at the onset of the dry season. Semipalmated Sandpipers may move west to other Greater Antilles or south to sites such as coastal Surinam until the onset of spring migration. They are not an oversummering species at the salt flats. Conservation efforts in the Caribbean region require understanding the dynamics of this species throughout winter to protect essential habitat. Tasas de Supervivencia Anual Local y de Residencia Estacional de Calidris pusilla en Puerto Rico

scholarly journals Economics of the 2009-2012 Organic Apple, Strawberry, and Sour Cherry Production in Poland

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Brzozowski ◽  
Krzysztof Zmarlicki
Keyword(s):  
Arable Land ◽  
Sour Cherry ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Organic Farm ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Organic Fruit

Abstract Certified organic farm area in Poland increased 8.5 fold during the 2003-2010 time period to 518 thousand ha, which constituted 2.8% of the arable land. The production costs and profitability of the organic fruit production of apples, strawberries, and sour cherries were evaluated and compared to conventional production of those fruits. The research was based on data from thirty-two commercial fruit farms; twenty farms with conventional production, and twelve with organic production. The main problems associated with organic production were the costs of weed control and soil cultivation. The conventional production of apples turned out to be slightly more profitable than the organic production. The organic production of sour cherries was not profitable. In the case of strawberries, it was the opposite - the organic production gave a better financial outcome than the conventional one

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