This investment is working to increase the banana industry’s knowledge of significant pests and diseases and how to control them using integrated pest and disease management strategies that will reduce the reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides and fungicides.

The project will work with established networks in the banana industry to communicate and extend new knowledge and practices on integrated pest and disease management that will maximise adoption across the banana industry.

• For the management of bunch and foliar pests, the research team will evaluate insecticides, botanicals, microbial pathogens, insect and mite predators, and cultural practices for their use and efficacy in an integrated management approach.

• For the management of yellow Sigatoka, the research team will evaluate a combination of chemical sprays, cultural practices to reduce inoculum load and bunch trimming/pruning.