Introduction. Black Leaf Streak Disease
(BLSD) is the most important foliar disease affecting banana production
worldwide. A forecasting system has been developed and implemented
in various countries aiming at optimal control of BLSD through minimum
applications of fungicide. In Dominican Republic, favorable dry
climatic conditions contrast with serious organizational issues
for BLSD control. Our objective was to evaluate the adaptation of
this forecasting strategy in these specific conditions. Materials
and methods. Fungicide resistance analyses were carried out
in the northwestern region of Dominican Republic, in order to determine
the appropriate spectrum of systemic fungicides for the forecasting
strategy. Three field experiments were set up on commercial farms
where disease evolution was monitored every week, on reference plots,
in order to decide the pertinence of fungicide applications. Results. Fungicide
resistance to QoI fungicides and strong sensitivity reduction to
DMI (Demethylation Inhibitor) fungicides were detected in all farms.
In spite of these limitations in the use of some fungicide groups, disease
control was achieved with a limited number of fungicide applications
(6–9), as compared with 13–26 applications in most commercial farms
of Dominican Republic over the same period. Discussion.
The calculation of an indicator of the efficiency of the chemical
control confirmed the potential of the forecasting strategy, underlining the
influence of crop management as well as the neighboring environment
of the farms on its efficiency. The requirements for further generalization
of this system to commercial farms of this country are discussed.