BANANA - Diseases of Fruit Crops in Australia - page 75

Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. It is not known to
occur in the Torres Strait. There is some suggestion that
ELS may now be the most common leaf spot in countries
where it is found. There is also evidence that M. eumusae
infects clones that have resistance to black and yellow
Sigatoka.

At the present time, control measures for ELS have not
been defined. However, the disease is similar to black
and yellow Sigatoka, which is likely to mean that the
combination of quarantine and control programs for these
diseases could provide some protection against an ELS
incursion. Further research into resistant clones and
chemical control for ELS are necessary.

What to do if you suspect Eumusae leaf spot
This pathogen is a biosecurity risk to Australia.
If an incursion of ELS is suspected, contact the nearest
Department of Primary Industries or the Plant
Health Australia hotline [phone]).

Fig 5.26 Severe symptoms of Eumusae leaf spot.

Importance
This disease does not occur in Australia. However, ELS is
known to be spread widely throughout south and south-
east Asia, including southern India, Sri Lanka, West

FRECKLE - BIOSECURITY THREAT

Cause
The fungus Guignardia musae .

Symptoms
Dark brown to black spots up to 3 mm in diameter
develop on leaves. Spots are usually on the upper surface
of the leaf and occasionally form dense aggregations. The
spots contain clusters of prominent black fruiting bodies
(pycnidia) of the fungus, which are rough to the touch.
Intense spotting causes leaf yellowing. The disease usually
affects older leaves. On senescent leaves, black speckled
strips extend from the midrib towards the leaf margin.
Black spots develop on green fruit and fruit stalks.

Source of infection and spread
Spores of the fungus (conidia and ascospores) spread
during wet, windy weather. They also disperse over large
areas through movement of infected fruit, leaves and
suckers.

Fig 5.27 Raised lesions of freckle on Cavendish fruit.

competent strain exists outside Australia. In Taiwan and
Sri Lanka, freckle is reported to be more devastating on
Cavendish than black Sigatoka.

What to do if you suspect freckle
This pathogen is a biosecurity risk to Australia. Suspected
freckle on Cavendish bananas should be reported to the
nearest Department of Primary Industries or the Plant
Health Australia hotline [phone]).

Importance
The disease has been found on Torres Strait islands and
Cape York Peninsula on Bluggoe and related varieties. It
has not been found in commercial plantings in north
Queensland. There is evidence that an exotic, Cavendish-