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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Banana black cross (071)

Photo 1. A single banana black cross spot, Phyllachora musicola, parallel to the veins of the leaf.

Photo 2. Dense infection of banana black cross, Phyllachora musicola.

Photo 3. Spots of banana black cross, Phyllachora musicola, are entry points for Cordana musae.

Summary

Widespread. Asia, Africa, Oceania. On banana and plantains. Usually, a minor disease,
Spots, scattered, sometimes in groups, black, like a 4-pointed star, up to 60 mm, with long axis parallel to the veins. Velvet-like mass of spores on underside.
Spores spread in rain and wind. Worse under shade, or if infections become sites for Cordana spots.
Cultural control: reduce shade or plant in open areas; resistant varieties (e.g., Cavendish, and some FHIA varieties).
Chemical control: unlikely to be needed.

Common Name

Banana black cross, back cross disease, tar spot

Scientific Name

Phyllachora musicola

AUTHORS Helen Tsatsia & Grahame Jackson
Photo 1 Brian Thistleton, DPIF, Northern Territory Government, Australia.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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