Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 June 2014
Introduction. Black Leaf Streak Disease(BLSD) is the most important foliar disease affecting banana productionworldwide. A forecasting system has been developed and implementedin various countries aiming at optimal control of BLSD through minimumapplications of fungicide. In Dominican Republic, favorable dryclimatic conditions contrast with serious organizational issuesfor BLSD control. Our objective was to evaluate the adaptation ofthis forecasting strategy in these specific conditions. Materialsand methods. Fungicide resistance analyses were carried outin the northwestern region of Dominican Republic, in order to determinethe appropriate spectrum of systemic fungicides for the forecastingstrategy. Three field experiments were set up on commercial farmswhere disease evolution was monitored every week, on reference plots,in order to decide the pertinence of fungicide applications. Results. Fungicideresistance to QoI fungicides and strong sensitivity reduction toDMI (Demethylation Inhibitor) fungicides were detected in all farms.In spite of these limitations in the use of some fungicide groups, diseasecontrol was achieved with a limited number of fungicide applications(6–9), as compared with 13–26 applications in most commercial farmsof Dominican Republic over the same period. Discussion.The calculation of an indicator of the efficiency of the chemicalcontrol confirmed the potential of the forecasting strategy, underlining theinfluence of crop management as well as the neighboring environmentof the farms on its efficiency. The requirements for further generalizationof this system to commercial farms of this country are discussed.