- Narrow distribution. Asia, US (Hawaii), Oceania. Four species. On banana. Note, one species (Phyllosticta cavendishii) infects Cavendish (and AAB and ABB1), and is widely distributed. An important disease.
- Reddish-brown spots (0.5-1 mm), turning dark, on the top of leaf, sometimes in groups. Feels rough, as sacs with spores protrude above leaf and fruit surfaces. Leaves turn yellow and die early. Spots on fruits affect sales.
- Spread in wind and rain, in leaves, suckers and fruit.
- Biosecurity: under eradication in Australia (Northern Territory).
- Cultural control: bag bunches; cut out leaf infections.
- Chemical control: if needed, use mancozeb, triazoles or strobilurins (see notes Fact Sheet no. 2).
