Climatic variables that favor the Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) [anamorph: Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Morelet) Deighton] infestation in a banana-growing zone

Objective: To establish the favorable or unfavorable climatic conditions for the emergence and development of Black Sigatoka in a banana-growing area within the influence zone of the Teapa weather station (27004) in Tabasco, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: We analyzed temperature data for n59 years (1961-2019) at the Teapa weather station (27044) in Tabasco, as reported by IMTA (2009) and the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (until 2019). Relative humidity was calculated using the equation developed by Allen et al. (2006). We also established the favorable or unfavorable climatic conditions for the development of Black Sigatoka in Teapa by resorting to the favorability typology posited by Júnior et al. (2008). Results: There are no highly favorable climatic conditions for the incidence and development of this disease. Overall, spring and summer are the less favorable months, while fall and winter offer more favorable conditions. Study Limitations/Implications: This study should be replicated in other banana-growing areas of Tabasco, since both temperature and relative humidity may differ and, consequently, the frequency of the disease may vary. Findings/Conclusions: October and March are the most favorable months for Black Sigatoka occurrence. Therefore, comprehensive management and control programs should be designed for this period.