Genotype X Environment Response of ‘Matooke’ Hybrids (Naritas) to Pseudocercospora fijiensis, the Cause of Black Sigatoka in Banana

Growing bananas resistant to Pseudocercospora fijiensis, the cause of black Sigatoka, is preferred disease control strategy for resource-poor farmers. Banana breeding programs in east Africa have developed 27 Matooke hybrids (commonly known as NARITAs) with higher yields than local landraces. To assess response NARITA P. 22 were evaluated under natural field conditions four locations—Kawanda and Mbarara Uganda, Maruku, Mitarula Tanzania—between 2016 2018 three crop cycles. Black Sigatoka was visually assessed area progress curve calculated each plant over time. Significant differences (p < 0.001) observed between genotypes, environments, their interaction. The highest contributor severity (39.1%) environment, followed by genotype (37.5%) Χ environment interaction (GEI) (23.4%). 2, 7, 14, 21 23 most stable across locations. If other attributes such yield taste are acceptable end-users, these can be released farmers region replace highly susceptible identified an ideal site evaluating banana against should used a representative location minimize costs evaluations.