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Abstract

Black Sigatoka disease (BSD), caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, is considered to be the most widespread and destructive disease of banana. The first outbreak in the Caribbean occurred in Cuba in 1991, and subsequently spread throughout the region. In all affected countries, BSD has had serious economic, social and environmental impact, causing yields losses of 30-50 % and significant (nearly 25%) rise in production costs. Five recently-affected countries (Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and Grenadines) requested technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to carry out an assessment of ongoing national management programmes. A Regional Project was formulated accordingly under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). Titled Development of Integrated Programmes and Action Plan for Black Sigatoka Management in five countries of the Caribbean, the project had four outputs, key among them being the formulation and endorsement, in each country, of a comprehensive National Management plan. The project had the endorsement and support of all Regional partners. The activities were undertaken by an Expert Consultant from Cuba between June and December 2012. In each country, the Consultant conducted an assessment of the existing management practices, benchmarked against well-studied and scientifically-sound practices. Recommendations made to fill the gaps formed the basis of the National Actions Plans for each of the five countries. Activities that could be undertaken at the Regional level were extracted from the National Plans and were included in the Regional Action Plan. Six draft proposals were also prepared (five National and one Regional). It is anticipated that the proposals will assist the countries and the Regional partners in mobilizing resources (both existing and potential) towards the long-term, sustainable management of BSD in the Caribbean.

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