Squirter disease

Nigrospora musae:

Causal Agent:

• Nigrospora musae is a fungus responsible for causing a post-harvest disease known as Nigrospora rot or Nigrospora fruit spot.

Host:

• The primary host of Nigrospora musae is banana fruit (Musa spp.).

Symptoms:

1. Dark Spots: Small, dark brown to black spots appear on the surface of banana fruit.
2. Coalescence: The spots may coalesce, forming larger affected areas.
3. Surface Pitting: The affected areas may exhibit surface pitting.
4. Fuzzy Growth: In humid conditions, a fuzzy growth of the fungus may be visible on the surface of the lesions.

Identification:

1. Spot Appearance: Recognize the characteristic dark spots on the surface of banana fruit.
2. Fuzzy Growth: The fuzzy growth in humid conditions can help identify the presence of the fungus.

Disease Cycle:

1. Infection: Infection occurs post-harvest, often during handling or storage.
2. Spore Production: The fungus produces spores on infected fruit, facilitating its spread.
3. Contamination: Spores can contaminate other healthy fruit during storage.

Management:

Preventive Measures:

1. Harvest Practices: Handle bananas carefully during harvest to minimize physical damage.
2. Storage Conditions: Maintain proper storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, to inhibit fungal growth.

Chemical Control:

1. Fungicide Treatment: Application of fungicides during storage can help manage Nigrospora rot.

Post-Harvest Practices:

1. Sorting: Regularly sort and remove infected fruits to prevent the spread of the fungus.
2. Fruit Washing: Wash and clean fruits before storage to remove potential spores.

Regular Monitoring:

1. Storage Inspection: Regularly inspect stored bananas for signs of Nigrospora rot.